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Background: HTLV-1 infection is endemic in Mashhad, Northeast of Iran. This study was designed to assessthe epidemiology of HTLV-1 and potential risk factors in Neyshabour, Northeastern Iran.Methods: All those who referred to Iranian Academic Center for Education, Culture and Research (ACECR)-Mashhad Laboratory in Neyshabour for evaluation of HTLV-I by ELISA, were tested using WB if the ELISA resultwas positive. A questionnaire about risk factors of infection was completed for all cases.Results: HTLV-1 infection was positive in 7.2% (35/483) of the participants according to the results of enzymelinkedimmunosorbent assay (ELISA) and western blot (WB) tests. Infection was significantly associated withage, family size, income and blood transfusion. However, gender, education, birthplace, race, marital status, andhistory of surgery, dentistry, traditional cupping, and hospitalization showed no significant relation.Conclusion: It seems that HTLV-I infection is highly endemic in Neyshabour and it is seems that more effectivetreatment strategies are needed. |
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