HUMAN T-CELL LYMPHOTROPIC VIRUS TYPE-1-ASSOCIATED MYELOPATHY TROPICALSPASTIC PARAPARESIS IN SAO-PAULO, BRAZIL - ASSOCIATION WITH BLOOD-TRANSFUSION

Human T cell lymphotropic virus type-1 (HTLV-1) associated myelopathy/ tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP) has been epidemiologically link ed to prior blood transfusion. The prevalence of transfusion as a risk factor for infection varies among endemic areas. Here we report the r elative frequency of reported history of blood transfusion among 52 pa tients evaluated in Sao Paulo, Brazil. A patient reported history of b lood transfusion prior to the onset of symptoms, found in 15 (28.8%) o f the patients, was the most important risk factor identified in this group of patients when compared with a history of sexually transmitted diseases, homo/bisexuality, sexual promiscuity (three or more sexual partners a year), and intravenous drug use. The mean time between repo rted transfusions and the onset of symptoms was longer than previously reported. There was no trend toward a more severe evolution to motor inability among the HAM/TSP patients with a history of previous transf usion.