Published in:
Open Access 01-12-2014 | Case report
A Caucasian Australian presenting with human T-lymphotropic virus type I associated myelopathy: a case report
Published in: Journal of Medical Case Reports | Issue 1/2014
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Introduction
We report the first known case of human T-lymphotropic virus type I associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis in an Australian Caucasian, a disease reported in Aboriginal and immigrant populations where the virus is often endemic.
Case presentation
A 41-year-old Caucasian Australian man had a 3-year background of progressive functional decline from a myelopathy with spastic paraparesis and sphincteric dysfunction.
Conclusions
Although studies have shown a very low prevalence of human T-lymphotropic virus type I in the greater Australian population, increased focus on Aboriginal health, and the expanding diversity and integration of the Australian population means that presentation of human T-lymphotropic virus type I-associated disease is likely to increase.