Suppression of tuberculin skin reaction in healthy HTLV-I carriers from Japan

摘要: Although it is thought that infection with human T-lymphotropic virus type I (HTLV-I) immunosuppressive, this has not been clearly demonstrated among healthy carriers, and there are no data concerning delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH). To evaluate hypothesis, DTH to purified protein derivative (PPD) of tuberculin was measured in 126 adults from an endemic area for HTLV-I southern Japan. Among the 39 only 15% had detectable induration following PPD exposure, compared 46% 87 non-carriers. In addition, size erythema those carriers a positive reaction about 70% Overall, significantly inverse association between degree response prevalence antibody. relation subjects strong moderate reaction, negative or indefinite were 6 times more likely be carrier. This much stronger aged 60 years older than younger persons. These findings indicate subclinical immunosuppression which increases age.