Tropical spastic paraparesis/HTLV-I-associated myelopathy in Europe and in Africa: clinical and epidemiological aspects

Article Abstract:

The incidence of tropical spastic paraparesis/HTLV-I-associated myelopathy (TSP/HAM) in Europe is very low and the incidence in Africa is probably much higher than suspected. TSP/HAM is characterized by muscle weakness and spasticity. In many European countries, there have been fewer than two or three dozen cases, and most have been in immigrants or visitors from countries where TSP/HAM is endemic. The true incidence of TSP/HAM in Africa is unknown because many rural residents have never seen a doctor and there are other causes of muscle disorders. Most of the known cases have been in Zaire and Gabon.

Demographic aspects, Europeans, Africans

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Tropical spastic paraparesis/HTLV-I-associated myelopathy in Brazil

Article Abstract:

Tropical spastic paraparesis/HTLV-I-associated myelopathy (TSP/HAM) appears to be common in Brazil. This disease is characterized by muscle weakness, spasticity and other neurologic signs. It appears to have been first described in Brazil in 1980, although it may have existed many years before that. The virus that causes it was not described until 1986. As of 1993, there were 433 cases of TSP/HAM in Brazil. But only 36.2% were positive for human T-lymphotropic virus type I (HTLV-I). Blood transfusion and sexual promiscuity are the most important risk factors for TSP/HAM in Brazil.

Brazilians

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HTLV-I-associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis in Brazil: a nationwide survey

Article Abstract:

HTLV-I-associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP) appears to be fairly common in Brazil. HAM/TSP is a muscle disease caused by HTLV-I. This virus is related to HIV but does not cause AIDS. A survey of 163 Brazilians with HAM/TSP found that 93% came from the northeastern and southeastern areas of the country. Blood transfusion and a history of a sexually transmitted disease were the strongest risk factors for HAM/TSP.

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