TROPICAL SPASTIC PARAPARESIS IN AN ABORIGINE

Objective: To present the first documented case of human T-lymphotropi c virus type I (HTLV-1) associated myelopathy/tropical spastic parapar esis in the Australian population. Clinical features: A 31-year-old Ab original man with an 18-month history of progressive weakness of the l egs was found to have an upper motor neurone weakness of all limbs ass ociated with sphincteric disturbance and impotence. HTLV-I antibodies were detected in his serum and no other cause for the patient's myelop athy could be found. Intervention and outcome: He was counselled regar ding HTLV-I associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis. Conclu sion: This is the first description of HTLV-I associated myelopathy/tr opical spastic paraparesis in an Australian. In cases of spinal cord d isorder without evidence of compression we recommend serological testi ng for HTLV-I, especially in Aboriginal patients. Additionally, testin g of blood donors for this retrovirus needs consideration.