Question

The disease known as tropical spastic paraparesis is considered to be a _____ caused by the _____ virus.

A. Myelopathy; human T-lymphotropic virus type-1 (HTLV-1)
B. Neuropathy; HTLV-1
C. Myelopathy; herpes simplex
D. Neuropathy; herpes simplex
E. Neuropathy; HIV type 1

Answer 1

Tropical spastic paraparesis is a A. myelopathy caused by the human T-lymphotropic virus type-1 (HTLV-1), resulting in motor impairments mainly in the lower limbs.

Step-by-step explanation:

The disease known as tropical spastic paraparesis is considered to be a myelopathy caused by the human T-lymphotropic virus type-1 (HTLV-1) virus. This condition affects the spinal cord and can lead to various degrees of weakness and impaired mobility of the legs (“paraparesis”). The involvement of the nervous system in tropical spastic paraparesis and its relationship to HTLV-1 classifies it distinctly from other infectious conditions mentioned, such as polio (caused by the poliovirus), infectious mononucleosis (caused by Epstein-Barr virus or HHV-4), and HIV-related diseases. Vaccination for other neurological diseases, like tetanus, can be prevented with the DTaP vaccine. However, no vaccine exists for HTLV-1 infections, and prevention focuses on avoiding exposure to the virus.