Human T-cell lymphotropic virus type III associated disorders. The spectrum in the heterosexual population

Arch Intern Med. 1986 Aug;146(8):1501-4.

Abstract

Eleven heterosexual patients (nine women, two men) without classic risk factors for development of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) were seen between March 1983, and April 1985, and diagnosed as having AIDS (four), persistent, generalized lymphadenopathy (PGL) (four), or asymptomatic human T-cell lymphotropic virus type III (HTLV-III) carrier state (three). The clinical presentations and course of those with AIDS or PGL were similar to those reported in homosexual men with AIDS or PGL, with reversed T4/T8 ratio, and the presence of antibody to HTLV-III. Asymptomatic carriers had normal T4/T8 ratios, had an absence of HTLV-III antibodies, but had HTLV-III virus cultured from blood. We conclude that the heterosexual population, with or without history of sexual exposure to individuals at risk for AIDS, may develop a wide range of clinical manifestations secondary to HTLV-III, varying from AIDS to the asymptomatic carrier state.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / diagnosis*
  • Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / immunology
  • Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / microbiology
  • Adult
  • Antibodies, Viral / analysis
  • Carrier State / diagnosis
  • Carrier State / immunology
  • Carrier State / microbiology
  • Deltaretrovirus / immunology
  • Deltaretrovirus / isolation & purification
  • Female
  • HIV Antibodies
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulins / analysis
  • Leukocyte Count
  • Lymphatic Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Lymphatic Diseases / immunology
  • Lymphatic Diseases / microbiology
  • Lymphocytes / classification
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Retroviridae Infections / diagnosis*
  • Retroviridae Infections / immunology
  • Retroviridae Infections / microbiology
  • Sexual Behavior

Substances

  • Antibodies, Viral
  • HIV Antibodies
  • Immunoglobulins