SCREENING SERA FROM THE ADULT POPULATIONS OF MASHHAD AND GONBAD FOR ANTI BODIES TO HTLV-1

Human T-ceil lymphotropic virus, type 1 (HTL V-I) is considered to be the causative agent of adult T-cell lymphoma/leukemia and spastic paralysis, and seems to be common in Khorasan Province. 300 blood samples from Mashhadi and 180 from Gonbadi blood donors were obtained (all samples from healthy subjects). Serological screening was done by passive particJe- agglutination test and confirmed by Western blot test. 10% of Mashhadi and 3.3% of Gonbadi residents were positive for HTLV-1 antibodies. Our findings suggest that Mashhad may be within a previouslyunrecognised endemic region for HTL V-I which may be a major health problem for Khorasan Province.