[ study of HTLV-1 seropositivity in vitiligo]

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Human T-lymphotropic virus type-1 [HTLV-1] is a retrovirus. Its relation to adult I-cell leukemia/lymphoma [ATLL] and HTLV- 1 associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis [HAM/TSP] has been established. Its relation to other diseases such as uveitis has also been considered. Khorassan, Iran is an endemic area for HTLV-1 [2.3%]. Vitiligo is a relatively common skin disease; autoimmune mechanisms have a causative role in its appearance. Former reports showed that 5% of patients with vitiligo have iritis and 8% of those with idiopathic uveitis have vitiligo. Regarding the association of both vitiligo and HTLV-1 with autoimmune diseases such as idiopathic uveitis, there appears to be a relation between vitiligo and HTLV-1