Epidemiologic background of blood donors with antibody to human T-cell lymphotropic virus. Transfusion Safety Study Group

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Abstract
We interviewed 51 blood donors in four major US metropolitan areas subsequently found to have had antibodies to human T‐cell lymphotropic virus (anti‐HTLV) in late 1984‐early 1985. Sixteen donors (31%) reported that they or a sexual contact had a history of blood transfusion. Twelve donors (24%) reported that they or a sexual contact used intravenous drugs. Ten donors (20%) were blacks born in the southeastern US. Four of the male donors (15%) reported homosexual contact. The most common characteristic was an association with Japan or the Caribbean basin (61%). These results show a broader variation of epidemiologic backgrounds than anticipated.