ABSTRACT
In recent work we proposed that interdiction in the earliest contact-formation events along the folding pathway of key viral proteins could provide a novel avenue for therapeutic drug design. In this Perspective we explore the potential applicability of the protein folding interdiction strategy in the realm of neurodegenerative diseases with a specific focus on synucleinopathies. In order to fulfill this goal we review the interdiction proposal and its practical challenges, and we present new results concerning design strategies for possible peptide drugs that could be useful in preventing α-synuclein aggregation.
Subject(s)
Drug Design , Parkinson Disease , Protein Folding , alpha-Synuclein , alpha-Synuclein/metabolism , alpha-Synuclein/chemistry , alpha-Synuclein/antagonists & inhibitors , Protein Folding/drug effects , Parkinson Disease/drug therapy , Parkinson Disease/metabolism , HumansABSTRACT
A epilepsia representa um problema de grande escala que afeta a esfera social dos pacientes que dela sofrem. O presente estudo tem como objetivo avaliar a qualidade de vida de pacientes pediátricos com epilepsia e identificar os fatores associados à sua menor qualidade de vida. Foi realizado um estudo transversal, descritivo e analítico em pacientes com diagnóstico clínico e eletroencefalográfico de epilepsia, atendidos no ambulatório do serviço de neuropediatria do Hospital Universitário. Foi aplicado um questionário subdividido em dados da criança, dados dos pais ou cuidador, tipo de epilepsia, tratamento e Escala de Qualidade de Vida para Crianças com Epilepsia (CAVE). As variáveis foram analisadas por meio de estatística descritiva e modelo de regressão múltipla para encontrar preditores de qualidade de vida. Dos 187 pacientes, 68 (36,4%) apresentaram boa qualidade de vida. Não foram observadas diferenças significativas por sexo em nenhum dos itens estudados, nem na pontuação geral do questionário. Ter menos necessidades básicas insatisfeitas (P=<0,0001) e não ter epilepsia refratária foram preditores de melhor qualidade de vida (P=<0,0001). A qualidade de vida relatada pelos pais foi em sua maioria boa ou razoável, ter um maior número de necessidades básicas insatisfeitas e ser classificado como tendo epilepsia de difícil manejo foram preditores de piora na qualidade de vida medida pelo questionário CAVE.
Epilepsy represents a large-scale problem that affects the social sphere of the patients who suffer from it. The following study aims to assess the quality of life of pediatric patients with epilepsy and to identify the factors associated with a lower quality of life. A cross-sectional, descriptive and analytical study was carried out in patients with clinical and electroencephalographic diagnosis of epilepsy, who attended the outpatient clinic of the neuropediatric service of the Teaching Hospital. A survey was administered, subdivided into data on the child, data on the parents or caregiver, type of epilepsy, treatment and the Quality of Life Scale for Children with Epilepsy (CAVE). The variables were analyzed using descriptive statistics and a multiple regression model to find predictors of quality of life. Of the 187 patients, 68 (36.4%) had a good quality of life. No significant gender differences were observed, nor in the overall score of the survey. Having fewer unmet basic needs (P=<0.0001) and not having refractory epilepsy were predictors of better quality of life (P=<0.0001). Parent-reported quality of life was mostly good or fair, having a higher number of unmet basic needs and being classified as having difficult-to-manage epilepsy were predictors of worsening quality of life as measured by the CAVE scale.
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCCIÓN: Existen diferencias significativas en el diagnóstico, la identificación y el seguimiento de pacientes con esclerosis múltiple secundaria progresiva (EMSP) entre los profesionales de la salud a cargo de su tratamiento. OBJETIVO: Proveer recomendaciones sobre el tratamiento de los pacientes con EMSP en Argentina con el fin de optimizar su cuidado. DESARROLLO: Un grupo de neurólogos expertos en esclerosis múltiple de Argentina elaboró un consenso para el tratamiento de pacientes con EMSP en la región mediante metodología de ronda de encuestas a distancia y reuniones presenciales. Se establecieron 33 recomendaciones basadas en la evidencia publicada y en el criterio de los expertos que participaron. Las recomendaciones se enfocaron en el diagnóstico y el seguimiento de los pacientes con EMSP. CONCLUSIÓN: Las recomendaciones establecidas en el presente consenso permitirían optimizar el cuidado y el seguimiento de los pacientes con EMSP en Argentina
INTRODUCTION: The identification, diagnosis, follow-up, and treatment of patients with secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (SPMS) show significant differences between health care professionals in Argentina. AIM: To provide consensus recommendations on the management of patients with SPMS in Argentina to optimize patient care. DEVELOPMENT: A panel of expert neurologists from Argentina dedicated to the diagnosis and care of multiple sclerosis patients gathered during 2019 and 2020 to carry out a consensus recommendation on the diagnosis and treatment of SPMS patients in Argentina. To achieve consensus, the methodology of formal consensus-RAND/UCLA method was used. Recommendations were established based on published evidence and the expert opinion. Recommendations focused on how to define SPMS and how to follow SPMS patients. CONCLUSION: The recommendations of this consensus guidelines attempt to optimize the care of SPMS patients in Argentina
Subject(s)
Humans , Consensus , Multiple Sclerosis, Chronic Progressive/diagnosis , Multiple Sclerosis, Chronic Progressive/therapy , Disease Progression , Disease Management , Multiple Sclerosis, Chronic Progressive/physiopathology , Argentina , Continuity of Patient CareABSTRACT
ABSTRACT: This study evaluated the effect of the three inulin levels (0.1%, 0.2%, 0.4%) supplemented as a substitute for an antibiotic growth promoter (AGP, zinc bacitracin) and control in guinea pigs raised for human consumption. Fifty 14-day-old male guinea pigs were used. Productive parameters (weight gain, total dry matter intake, and feed conversion ratio (FCR)) and intestinal morphology of the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum at slaughter (70 days of age) were evaluated. An inverse relationship was observed between inulin levels and FCR (linear effect; P = 0.006). There was no statistically significant effect of the treatments on total dry matter intake and weight gain (P > 0.05). A linear effect of the inulin level on the villi's length (VL), villi's width (VW), and length/depth ratio (VL/DC) in the duodenum; VW in the jejunum; and VL in the ileum (P <0 .05) was reported. In conclusion, a linear effect of the increasing doses of inulin was found on the FCR and the morphological parameters of the duodenum's integrity, and no differences in the effects of the inulin added to the diet and the treatment with AGP were found.
RESUMO: O objetivo do estudo foi avaliar o efeito da suplementação na dieta de cobaias com inulina, em níveis crescentes (0,1%, 0,2%, 0,4%) como substituto para um antibiótico promotor de crescimento (AGP, bacitracina de zinco) além do grupo controle (dieta padrão). Foram utilizados 50 porquinhos-da-índia machos com 14 dias de idade. Os parâmetros produtivos foram avaliados do desmame aos 70 dias de idade e os parâmetros morfológicos intestinais foram avaliados no duodeno, jejuno e íleo no momento do abate. Foi encontrado um efeito linear do nível de inulina sobre na taxa de conversão alimentar (FCR; P = 0,006), indicando que em níveis mais elevados de inulina o FCR diminui. Não houve diferença significativa entre os grupos quando avaliado o efeito dos diferentes tratamentos sobre o consumo de ração e ganho de peso corporal (P > 0,05). Um efeito linear do nível de inulina foi encontrado no comprimento das vilosidades (VL), na largura das vilosidades (VW) e na relação comprimento / profundidade (VL/DC) no duodeno, sobre a VW no jejuno; e no VL no íleo (P < 0,05). Em conclusão, um efeito linear do aumento do nível de inulina foi encontrado na taxa de conversão alimentar e nos parâmetros morfológicos da integridade do duodeno, além disso, não houve diferença entre a adição de inulina na dieta e o tratamento com um antibiótico promotor de crescimento.
ABSTRACT
The objective of the study was to assess the cost of multiple sclerosis (MS) patients in Argentina categorized by disease severity using a societal perspective. Method: Cross-sectional study including MS patients from 21 MS centers in 12 cities of Argentina. Patients were stratified by disease severity using the expanded disability status scale (EDSS) (group 1 with EDSS score between 0 and 3; group 2 with EDSS >3 and <7; group 3 with EDSS ≥7). Direct and indirect costs were analyzed for the second quarter of 2012 from public sources and converted to US Dollars. Results: 266 patients were included. Mean annual cost per MS patient was USD 36,025 (95%CI 31,985-38,068) for patients with an EDSS between 0-3; USD 40,705 (95%CI 37,199-46,300) for patients with EDSS >3 and <7, and USD 50,712 (95%CI 47,825-62,104) for patients with EDSS ≥7. Conclusions: This is the first Argentine study evaluating the costs of MS considering disease severity. .
El objetivo del estudio fue evaluar el costo de los pacientes con esclerosis múltiple (EM) en Argentina categorizados por severidad de la enfermedad. Método: Estudio de corte transversal que incluyó pacientes con EM en 12 ciudades de Argentina. Los pacientes se estratificaron según expanded disability status scale (EDSS) (grupo 1 EDSS entre 0 y 3; grupo 2 EDDS >3 y <7; grupo 3 EDSS ≥7). Los costos directos e indirectos fueron analizados para el segundo trimestre de 2012 y convertidos a dólares estadounidenses. Resultados: 266 pacientes fueron incluidos. El coste medio anual por paciente con EM fue de USD 36,025 (31,985-38,068 IC95%) para los pacientes con un EDSS entre 0-3; USD 40,705 (37,199-46,300 IC95%) para los pacientes con EDSS >3 y <7 y USD 50,712 (47,825-62,104 IC95%) para los pacientes con EDSS ≥7. Conclusiones: Primer estudio argentino evaluar los costes de la EM considerado la gravedad de la enfermedad. .
Subject(s)
Adolescent , Adult , Aged , Humans , Middle Aged , Young Adult , Cost of Illness , Multiple Sclerosis/economics , Needs Assessment , Age Distribution , Argentina , Cross-Sectional Studies , Severity of Illness Index , Socioeconomic Factors , Statistics, Nonparametric , Surveys and QuestionnairesABSTRACT
El objetivo del estudio fue determinar la respuesta en ganancia de peso, consumo de alimento, conversión alimenticia y rendimiento de carcasa en cuyes de raza Perú entre las 8 y 12 semanas de edad utilizando dos niveles energéticos, dietas isoproteicas (18% PC), y uso de forraje. Los tratamientos 1 y 2 tuvieron 2.8 y 3.0 Mcal/kg ED con exclusión de forraje, y el tratamiento 3 (referencial) fue similar a T2 pero con suministro de forraje. El alimento y el agua se suministraron ad libitum. Se emplearon 72 cuyes machos, destetados, de 14 ± 3 días, distribuidos al azar en 24 pozas (8 pozas por tratamiento). No se encontró diferencia significativa en ganancias de peso vivo o en rendimiento de carcasa entre los tratamientos. Se registró un mayor consumo de materia seca total (5394 g) en T3 (p<0.05). Los grupos T1 y T2 lograron una mejor conversión alimenticia a la semana 10 (3.18 y 3.32) que el grupo con forraje (4.01) (p<0.01).
The aim of the study was to determine the response in terms of body weight gain, feed intake, feed conversion ratio, and carcass yield in guinea pigs of Peru breed between 8 and 12 weeks of age, using two isoproteic diets with different metabolizable energy levels (T1, 2.8; T2, 3.0 Mcal/kg DM) without forage and a third diet (T3) with 2.8 Mcal/kg plus forage. Feed and water were supplied ad libitum. Seventy two male weaned guineapigs (14 ± 3 days of age) were randomly assigned to 24 rearing boxes (8 per treatment). None statistical difference was found between treatments on body weight gain or carcass yield. There was a better feed intake (total dry mater) in T3 (p<0.05). Groups T1 and T2 showed a better conversion ratio at week 10 (3.18 and 3.31) than T3 supplied with forage (4.01) (p<0.01).
Subject(s)
Animals , Guinea Pigs , Behavior , Energy-Generating Resources , PeruABSTRACT
El estudio comparó parámetros productivos de pollos de carne suplementados con un probiótico Biomin® Poultry 5 Star (Enterococcus faecium, Pediococcus acidilactici, Bifidobacterium animalis, Lactobacillus salivarius y Lactobacillus reuteri) versus un antibiótico (Zinc Bacitracina). Se usaron 333 aves divididas en tres tratamientos de 111 animales con 3 repeticiones por tratamiento: 1, control; 2, antibiótico; y 3, probiótico. En las seis semanas de crianza no se encontró diferencia significativa entre tratamientos para peso corporal, consumo de alimento, conversión alimenticia (ICA), porcentaje de mortalidad y el índice de eficiencia productiva (IEP).
The present study compared productive parameters in broilers supplemented with a probiotic Biomin® Poultry 5 Star (Enterococcus faecium, Pediococcus acidilactici, Bifidobacterium animalis, Lactobacillus salivarius y Lactobacillus reuteri) versus an antibiotic (Bacitracin). A total of 333 chicks were divided into three treatments of 111 animals with 3 repetitions for group: 1 control; 2 antibiotic; 3 probiotic. During the six weeks of the study no statistical differences were found between treatments for body weight, feed consumption, feed conversion, mortality rate, and productive efficiency index.
Subject(s)
Animals , Anti-Bacterial Agents , Chickens , Probiotics , Dietary SupplementsABSTRACT
Se comparó los resultados de las técnicas in vitro, in situ y enzimática (celulasa) para estimar la digestibilidad de forrajes de diferente calidad nutritiva en ovinos. Se colectó muestras de forraje de tres calidades: alta (rye grass de 2-4 semanas), media (rye grass de 8 semanas y heno de alfalfa) y baja (paja de avena). Las muestras fueron secadas, molidas y pasaron por tamiz de 1 mm para la técnica in vitro y celulasa y 3 mm para la técnica in situ. Se determinó la digestibilidad in vitro de la materia seca (DIVMS), digestibilidad in situ de la materia seca (DISMS) y digestibilidad a la celulasa de la materia seca (DCMS). Se emplearon tres ovinos con fístula ruminal y alimentados con maíz forrajero y heno de alfalfa. Se usó un diseño experimental con arreglo factorial de 4 x 3 (4 calidades de forraje y 3 técnicas). La DISMS fue superior (p<0.05) para los cuatro forrajes en estudio en relación a la DIVMS y la DCMS: 91.8 vs 73.9 y 76.5% para el forraje de alta calidad; 74.2 vs 71.6 y 70.9 para el rye grass de 8 semanas; 77.8 vs 68.9 y 68.0 para el heno de alfalfa y 34.7 vs 29.5 y 31.7 para la paja de avena. No se observó diferencias estadísticas entre la DIVMS y DCMS en los forrajes de mediana calidad. Los valores de DIVMS y DCMS sobreestimaron la cantidad de materia seca degradable en forrajes de alta calidad y subestimaron la cantidad de materia seca degradable en forrajes de mediana y baja calidad en relación a la DISMS en ovinos. Se concluye que existen diferencias entre las técnicas in situ, in vitro y celulasa para estimar la digestibilidad de la materia seca del forraje en ovinos y estas diferencias dependen de la calidad del forraje.
The objective of the study was to compare the efficiency of the in situ, in vitro and enzymatic (cellulose) techniques in estimating the digestibility of forage with different nutritional quality in sheep. Samples of three qualities of forage were collected: high (rye grass of 2-4 weeks), medium (rye grass of 8 weeks and alfalfa hay), and low (oat straw). The samples were dried, grounded and passed through 1 mm sieve for the in vitro and cellulose technique and 3 mm sieve for the in situ technique. The in vitro digestibility of dry matter (IVDDM), in situ digestibility of dry matter (ISDDM), and cellulose digestibility of dry matter (CDDM) were determined. Three adult rams with ruminal fistula and fed with a diet based on alfalfa hay and corn stalk. A complete randomized 4 x 3 experimental design (4 quality forages and 3 techniques) was used. The ISDDM was higher (p<0.05) in all forages as compared to IVDDM and CDDM: 91.8 vs 73.9 and 76.5% for high quality forage, 74.2 vs 71.6 and 70.9 for ray grass of 8 weeks and 77.8 vs 68.9 and 68.0 for alfalfa hay, and 34.7 vs 29.5 and 31.7 for low quality forage. None differences were observed between IVDDM and CDDM in forages of medium quality. IVDDM and CDDM values overestimated the quantity of degradable dry matter in high quality forages and underestimated it in medium and low quality forages in relation to ISDDM. It is concluded that there are differences between the in situ, in vitro and cellulose techniques when estimating the digestibility of dry matter forage in sheep, and these difference depend upon the quality of the forage.
Subject(s)
Animals , Cellulase , Digestion , Dietary Fiber , MethodsABSTRACT
Cincuenta marranas de la línea PIC y sus lechones fueron utilizadas para determinar el efecto de un aditivo probiótico (Saccharomyces cerevisiae 12 x 109 CFU/g, Bacillus subtilis 15 x 1010 CFU/g y Bacillus coagulans 15 x 1010 CFU/g) añadido en dietas convencionales. Las marranas fueron divididas aleatoriamente en dos grupos: Probiótico y Testigo. Las dietas experimentales durante la gestación fueron: 1) Grupo testigo: dieta de marranas gestantes (MG) tres semanas previas al parto y 2) Grupo probiótico: MG suplementado con el aditivo probiótico. Durante este periodo las marranas fueron alimentadas de manera restringida (2-3 kg/día). La alimentación durante la lactación fue como sigue: 1) Grupo testigo: dieta de marranas lactantes (ML) y 2) Grupo probiótico: ML sin antibiótico y suplementado con el aditivo probiótico. El consumo fue ad libitum durante la lactación. En las marranas se registró el peso vivo y consumo de alimento, mientras que en lechones se resgistró el tamaño de camada y el peso al nacimiento y al destete, así como la mortalidad y morbilidad. Los resultados obtenidos muestran que el probiótico adicionado a la dieta de las marranas afectó el peso de los lechones al nacimiento (p< 0.05); además, se encontraron diferencias en morbilidad y una diferencia marginal en la mortalidad de los lechones relacionada a problemas gastroentéricos.
Fifty sows of the PIC genetic line and their piglets were used to determine the effect of food additive probiotic (Saccharomyces cerevisiae 12 x 109 CFU/g, Bacillus subtilis15 x 1010 CFU/g and Bacillus coagulans 15 x 1010 CFU/g) added to conventional diets. The sows were randomly divided in two groups: Probiotic and Control. The Control group was fed with the gestation diet (MG) for 3 weeks prior to farrowing and the Probiotic group was fed with the MG diet supplemented with the probiotic. During this period the sows received a restricted amount of concentrate (2-3 kg/day/animal). The Control group during the lactation period was fed ad libitum with the lactation diet (ML) and the Probiotic group was fed with the ML diet supplemented with the probiotic. Body weight and feed intake was registered in sows while in piglets was recorded litter size, body weight at birth and at weaning, and mortality and morbidity. The results showed that the probiotic supplemented to the sow diet significantly affected birth body weight (p<0.05). Moreover, there were minor differences in piglet mortality and morbidity due to gastro enteric disorders.
Subject(s)
Animals , Bacillus subtilis , Probiotics , Saccharomyces cerevisiae , Swine/growth & developmentABSTRACT
The objective of the present study was to evaluate the in vitro, in situ and cellulose techniques to estimate the digestibility of different nutritional quality forages in alpacas. Samples of forages of three different qualities were used: high (Rye grass of four weeks), medium (Rye grass of eight weeks) and low (oat straw). The samples were dried and ground trough a 1-mm screen for the in vitro and cellulose techniques and in 3-mm screen for the in situ technique. The in vitro (IVDDM), in situ (ISDDM) and cellulose (CDDM) digestibity of dry matter were determined. Three male alpacas, ruminal cannulated, and fed with cornstalk and alfalfa hay were used. A completely randomized design with three treatments (techniques) for each quality of forage and three repetitions per treatment was used. The ISDDM was lower (p0.05). The IVDDM and CDDM techniques overestimated the degradable dry matter in high quality forages and underestimated the degradable dry matter in medium and low quality forages, in relation to the ISDDM in alpacas. It was concluded that there are differences between the in vitro, in situ and cellulose techniques for the estimation of the dry matter digestibility of forages. Moreover, the in vitro and cellulose techniques were inappropriate for the evaluation of forages in alpacas in comparison to the in situ technique.
Se evaluaron las técnicas de digestibilidad in vitro, in situ y celulasa para estimar la digestibilidad de forrajes de diferente calidad nutritiva en alpacas. Se colectaron muestras de forraje de tres calidades: alta (rye grass de 4 semanas), media (rye grass de 8 semanas) y baja (paja de avena). Las muestras fueron secadas, molidas y pasaron por tamiz y 1 mm para la técnica in vitro y celulasa, y de 3 mm para la técnica in situ. Se determinó la digestibilidad in vitro (DIVMS), in situ (DISMS) y a la celulada (DCMS) de la materia seca. Se usaron 3 alpacas machos con fistula ruminal y alimentadas con maíz forrajero y heno de alfalfa. Se utilizó un diseño irrestricto al azar con tres tratamientos (técnicas) para las calidades de forraje y tres repeticiones por tratamiento. En caso de existir diferencia estadística significativa (p0.05) entre la DIVMS y DCMS en las tres calidades de forrajes. Los valores de DIVMS y DCMS sobrestimaron la cantidad de materia seca degradable en forrajes de alta calidad y subestimaron la cantidad de materia seca degradable en forrajes de mediana y baja calidad en relación a la DISMS en alpacas. Se concluye que existen diferencias entre las técnicas in situ, in vitro y celulasa para estimar la digestibilidad de la materia seca del forraje en alpacas, y estas diferencias dependen de la calidad del forraje; y que las técnicas in vitro y celulasa fueron inadecuadas para evaluar los forrajes en alpacas en relación a la técnica in situ.
Subject(s)
Animals , Camelids, New World , Digestion , Dietary Fiber , Enzyme TherapyABSTRACT
We report 10 HTLV-I virus seropositive subjects, eight of them with HTLV-I associated myelopathy (HAM), two of them also infected with HIV as well as two asymptomatic HTLV-I+ relatives of two unrelated patients. HTLV-I is endemic in several tropical areas, where it causes different neurological diseases. Only few patients have been reported in our country since 1994. We studied 8 patients, who fulfilled the clinical criteria for chronic spastic paraplegia, and 2 other non-symptomatic HTLV-I seropositive relatives, with electromyography (EMG), motor and sensory conduction velocities (NCV), somatosensory, visual and brainstem auditory evoked potentials (SSEP, VEP and BAEP), Magnetic Resonance Images (MRI) and cerobrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis. The latter was carried out only in seven symptomatic patients. In every case positive ELISA tests for HTLV-I/II were confirmed by Western Blot. The two asymptomatic persons were clinically and electromyographically assessed, one of them was also submitted to SSEPs studies. Three patients were males. Patient's ages ranged from 5 to 65 years old. All symptomatic patients showed muscular weakness, spasticity with pyramidal signs and sphincter disturbances. Five of them had paresthesias and 2 had burning pain on their feet. The EMGS and the NCVs were normal in 7 patients and in the 2 asymptomatic ones. SSEPs, obtained by stimulating the posterior tibial nerves, were impaired in 7 patients and in the asymptomatic person who received the procedure. The 7 symptomatic patients who underwnt lumbar puncture had positive tests for HTLV-I in CSF, 3 out of these 7 patients had also high protein levels and 4 had increased number of lymphocytes. In 2 patients intrathecal IgG production could also be demonstrated. MRI were normal in 7 patients and in the 2 asymptomatics, the exception being a female who had bilateral hypertense lesions in cerebral white matter in T2. In conclusion, tropical spastic paraparesis is apparently a rare disorder in Argentina. However, some cases have been reported recently. Most probably, its prevalence is currently underestimated. Its diagnosis should be considered in every patient with progressive spastic paraplegia.
Subject(s)
Adult , Middle Aged , Female , Humans , Evoked Potentials , Paraparesis, Tropical Spastic/physiopathology , Argentina , Blotting, Western , Electromyography , Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay , Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy , Paraparesis, Tropical Spastic , Paraparesis, Tropical Spastic/cerebrospinal fluidABSTRACT
We report 10 HTLV-I virus seropositive subjects, eight of them with HTLV-I associated myelopathy (HAM), two of them also infected with HIV as well as two asymptomatic HTLV-I+ relatives of two unrelated patients. HTLV-I is endemic in several tropical areas, where it causes different neurological diseases. Only few patients have been reported in our country since 1994. We studied 8 patients, who fulfilled the clinical criteria for chronic spastic paraplegia, and 2 other non-symptomatic HTLV-I seropositive relatives, with electromyography (EMG), motor and sensory conduction velocities (NCV), somatosensory, visual and brainstem auditory evoked potentials (SSEP, VEP and BAEP), Magnetic Resonance Images (MRI) and cerobrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis. The latter was carried out only in seven symptomatic patients. In every case positive ELISA tests for HTLV-I/II were confirmed by Western Blot. The two asymptomatic persons were clinically and electromyographically assessed, one of them was also submitted to SSEPs studies. Three patients were males. Patients ages ranged from 5 to 65 years old. All symptomatic patients showed muscular weakness, spasticity with pyramidal signs and sphincter disturbances. Five of them had paresthesias and 2 had burning pain on their feet. The EMGS and the NCVs were normal in 7 patients and in the 2 asymptomatic ones. SSEPs, obtained by stimulating the posterior tibial nerves, were impaired in 7 patients and in the asymptomatic person who received the procedure. The 7 symptomatic patients who underwnt lumbar puncture had positive tests for HTLV-I in CSF, 3 out of these 7 patients had also high protein levels and 4 had increased number of lymphocytes. In 2 patients intrathecal IgG production could also be demonstrated. MRI were normal in 7 patients and in the 2 asymptomatics, the exception being a female who had bilateral hypertense lesions in cerebral white matter in T2. In conclusion, tropical spastic paraparesis is apparently a rare disorder in Argentina. However, some cases have been reported recently. Most probably, its prevalence is currently underestimated. Its diagnosis should be considered in every patient with progressive spastic paraplegia. (AU)