Immunological changes in beta-thalassemia major patients positive for HTLV-III antibodies

Eur J Epidemiol. 1987 Dec;3(4):451-3. doi: 10.1007/BF00145663.

Abstract

Antibodies to HTLV-III were found in 6 of 206 Sicilian patients with thalassemia major, aged 1 to 30 years. None of the patients showed clinical signs related to immuno-deficiency syndromes. Immunological investigations carried out in all positive patients showed alterations similar to those found in thalassemic patients without antibodies to HTLV-III. These immunological changes could not depend on the HTLV-III infection, but could be related to the thalassemic condition.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Antibodies, Viral / analysis*
  • Blood Transfusion
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • HIV / immunology*
  • HIV Antibodies
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Italy
  • T-Lymphocytes / classification
  • Thalassemia / immunology*

Substances

  • Antibodies, Viral
  • HIV Antibodies