Early Juvenile Human T-cell Lymphotropic Virus Type-1–Associated Myelopathy/Tropical Spastic Paraparesis: Study of 25 Patients

Abstract

The juvenile HAM/TSP may occur very early and also presents marked female predominance. Progression of IDH to HAM/TSP before 19 years of age is frequent (54%). Rapid progressive form may also occur in early HAM/TSP. As juvenile IDH and HAM/TSP are due to vertical transmission through breastfeeding, it is very important to avoid this pathway of infection.