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Pathological and Molecular Biological Features of a Myelopathy Associated with HTLV-1 Infection

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  18 September 2015

Christopher Power ,
Brian G. Weinshenker ,
Gregory A. Dekaban ,
John C.E. Kaufmann ,
Maureen Shandling  and
George P.A. Rice
Christopher Power
Affiliation:
Department of Clinical Neurological Sciences and Robarts Research Institute, University of Western Ontario, London
Brian G. Weinshenker
Affiliation:
Department of Clinical Neurological Sciences and Robarts Research Institute, University of Western Ontario, London
Gregory A. Dekaban
Affiliation:
Department of Clinical Neurological Sciences and Robarts Research Institute, University of Western Ontario, London
John C.E. Kaufmann
Affiliation:
Department of Clinical Neurological Sciences and Robarts Research Institute, University of Western Ontario, London
Maureen Shandling
Affiliation:
Department of Clinical Neurological Sciences and Robarts Research Institute, University of Western Ontario, London
George P.A. Rice*
Affiliation:
Department of Clinical Neurological Sciences and Robarts Research Institute, University of Western Ontario, London
*
University Hospital, P.O. Box 5339, London, Ontario, Canada N6A 5A5
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Abstract:

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We report the pathological and molecular biological findings of human T-cell lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) infection of the spinal cord in a patient with a chronic progressive myelopathy. Light microscopy disclosed loss of myelin and axons, thickening of blood vessels and a lymphocytic cell infiltrate in the spinal cord especially at the cervical and thoracic levels. Electron microscopy confirmed the vascuolar appearance seen with light microscopy but virus particles were not observed. The HTLV-1 gag gene could be amplified (by polymerase chain reaction) from cervical spinal cord tissue while not from elsewhere in the neuroaxis. The presence of HTLV-1 geonomic material in spinal cord tissue has not been previously reported.

Type
Original Articles
Information
Canadian Journal of Neurological Sciences , Volume 18 , Issue 3 , August 1991 , pp. 352 - 355
Copyright
Copyright © Canadian Neurological Sciences Federation 1991

References

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