HTLV-I-associated myelopathy: are ferritin, S100beta protein, or guanine nucleotides CSF markers of disease?

In southern Brazil, there is an endemic high prevalence foci of HTLV-I and HTLV-II infection. HTLV-infected individuals may develop HAM/TSP. Little is known about HAM/TSP pathogenesis and there is a lack of disease progression markers. This study investigated ferritin, S-100beta protein, and guanine nucleotides (GN) concentrations in the CSF of 18 patients with HAM/TSP. In HAM/TSP patients, concentrations of ferritin and S100beta were increased, whereas GMP was reduced. CSF ferritin, S100beta, and GN are potential markers for HAM/TSP.