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Human T-cell lymphotropic virus type one(HTLV-1)is associated with tropical spastic paraparesis or HTLV-1 associated myelopathy.We report two women with a spastic ataxic illness similar to HTLV-1-associated myelopathy infected solely with HTLV-II.Identification of HTLV-II infection was made serologically,by polymerase chain reaction,and by viral culture(in 1 woman).One woman,treated with 200 mg of danazol orally,three times daily,had pronounced improvement in ambulation,nocturnal spasticity, and nighttime urinary frequency.It appears that infection with HTLV-II may cause an illness similar to HTLV-I-associated myelopathy,but distinguished by the presence of ataxia. |
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