The Human T-Cell Leukemia Virus and AIDS

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Abstract
To the Editor: Several articles have presented evidence suggesting that human T-cell leukemia virus (HTLV) infection occurs in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and may have a causative role.1 2 3 4 HTLV is the only known human retrovirus that has been associated with disease — namely, certain T-cell neoplasms in human beings. However, many infectious agents, notably certain members of the herpesvirus group, are frequently associated with AIDS and could potentially contribute to it. We wish to raise certain questions and point out some inconsistencies that lead us to have serious doubts about the role of HTLV as the causative agent . . .