Immunologic markers, uveitis, and keratoconjunctivitis sicca associated with human T-cell lymphotropic virus type 1.

Purpose: To verify the occurrence of keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) and human T-cell lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) associated uveitis (HAU) and to evaluate the immunologic status related to HTLV-1.

Design: Cross-sectional study.

Methods: Ophthalmic examination (both eyes) and immunophenotyping of peripheral blood lymphocytes were performed in 207 infected asymptomatic blood donors (AS), 55 controls (NI), and 55 patients with HTLV-1 associated myelopathy (HAM/TSP).