Primary Sjögren's syndrome with antibodies to HTLV-I: clinical and laboratory features. Issue 6 (June 1992)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Eguchi, K; Matsuoka, N; Ida, H; Nakashima, M; Sakai, M; Sakito, S; Kawakami, A; Terada, K; Shimada, H; Kawabe, Y
• Is Part Of: Annals of the rheumatic diseases. Volume 51:Issue 6(1992)
• Page Start: 769
• Page End: 776
• Publication Date: 1992-06
• Subjects: Rheumatism -- Periodicals; 616.723005
• DOI: 10.1136/ard.51.6.769
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0003-4967

Abstract

Abstract : The prevalence of antibodies to human T lymphotropic virus type I (HTLV-I) was studied in patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome. Thirteen of 36 serum samples were positive by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and particle agglutination assay for antibodies to HTLV-I and were confirmed by western blotting. The presence of antibodies to HTLV-I may signify an HTLV-I carrier state. These patients had a high occurrence of extraglandular manifestations such as uveitis, myopathy, and recurrent high fever compared with patients who did not have antibodies to HTLV-I. Patients with antibodies to HTLV-I had an increased spontaneous proliferation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells compared with those without the antibodies. The proportions of activated and memory T cells (HLA-DR+ CD3+, CD25+ CD3+, and CD29+ CD4+ cells) were higher in HTLV-I carriers than in non-carriers. The presence of antibodies to HTLV-I in some patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome suggests that HTLV-I may cause primary Sjögren's syndrome or its extraglandular manifestations, or both.