[High prevalence of antiHTLV-1 antibodies in the Boni, an ethnic group of African origin isolated in French Guiana since the 18th century]
Author(s):
Gessain, A.; Calender, A.; Strobel, M.; Lefait-robin, R.; De Thé, G.
Format:
Journal article
Citation:
Comptes Rendus De L'academie Des Sciences. Serie Iii, Sciences De La Vie, Volume 299, Issue 9 (1984). pp. 351-353.
Language:
French
Abstract:
Antibodies to HTLV-1 (ELISA test using disrupted virus) were studied in different ethnic groups in French Guiana, including 135 blood donors from Cayenne, 97 Boni Blacks and 57 Wayana Indians from Maripasoula area, and 57 Hmong from Cacao village. We observed significant differences between Boni Blacks and Wayana Indians, having respectively 10.3% versus 0% of high antibody titers. The Hmong, recent refugees from Kampuchea, exhibited an intermediate level (3.5%) of infection. These results favour an African origin of HTLV-1 and raise, for the Hmong, the question of an infection acquired in Guiana.