Abstract：
HTLV-1 is a retrovirus virus that infects CD4+ T cells. Most people with HTLV-1 infection remain asymptomatic but some may develop conditions such as HTLV-1 associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP) or adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma. HAM/TSP is characterized by progressive spasticity and weakness of the lower extremities, as well as loss of bladder control and sensory disturbances. The risk of developing HAM/TSP is associated with the duration of infection and the proviral load. There is currently no cure for the disease but medications can help manage symptoms and slow the progression of the disease. This is the case of a 66-year-old female who presented with nonspecific symptoms of weakness and spasticity in a hospital in Connecticut and was subsequently diagnosed with HAM/TSP. The patient\'s diagnosis highlights the importance of considering diseases previously confined to specific endemic regions in a globalized world where increased emigration and population mixing can occur. Early identification and management of such cases is essential for optimizing patient outcomes and quality of life.
摘要：
HTLV-1是感染CD4+T细胞的逆转录病毒。大多数患有HTLV-1感染的人仍然无症状，但有些人可能会发展为HTLV-1相关的脊髓病/热带痉挛性轻瘫（HAM/TSP）或成人T细胞白血病/淋巴瘤。HAM/TSP的特征是进行性痉挛和下肢无力，以及失去膀胱控制和感觉障碍。发生HAM/TSP的风险与感染持续时间和前病毒负荷有关。目前尚无治愈该疾病的方法，但药物可以帮助控制症状并减缓疾病的进展。这是一名66岁的女性，她在康涅狄格州的一家医院表现出虚弱和痉挛的非特异性症状，随后被诊断为HAM/TSP。患者的诊断强调了在全球化世界中考虑以前仅限于特定流行地区的疾病的重要性，在全球化世界中，移民和人口混合可能会增加。此类病例的早期识别和管理对于优化患者预后和生活质量至关重要。
