Detection of Human T-Cell Lymphoma/Leukemia Virus Type I DNA and Antigen in Spinal Fluid and Blood of Patients with Chronic Progressive Myelopathy

Abstract
The presence of antibodies to human T-cell lymphoma/leukemia virus Type I (HTLV-I) has been associated with chronic progressive myelopathy. We attempted to isolate the virus from the blood and spinal fluid of patients with chronic progressive myelopathy and to define the clinical, radiologic, and electrophysiologic features of this disease.