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Conjugal transmission of HTLV-III and lymphadenopathy in Christmas disease

Abstract

The risk of conjugal transmission of the HTLV-III/LAV virus associated with the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) in patients with hemophilia is unknown.  To date, only a few   instances of proven exposure to HTLV-III have been reported among sexual or family contacts of   patients with hemophilia.  However, seropositivity to a related virus, HTLV-I, has been reported  in  spouses in geographic areas with an increased incidence of human T-cell  leukemia/lymphoma.  As  a  part of a long-term study of hemophiliacs with lymph­adenopathy, we discovered a patient   with   Christmas disease (factor  IX deficiency) who developed lymphadenopathy, immunodeficiency,  and evidence of exposure to HTLV-III/LAV.  His wife developed similar physical findings eight months later.

 

Andes WA, Lawrence DN, Jason J

Thromb. Haemost. 1986 Feb;55(1):129-30

PMID: 3010488

Andes-1986-Thromb-Haemost-conjugal-transmission