Studies on viral etiology of angioimmunoblastic lymphadenopathy

Plasma samples of patients with angioimmunoblastic lymphadenopathy (AIBL) were tested for anti-HTLV antibodies and for interferon content. Out of 12 patients 4 had antibodies to HTL-III. Two of these plasma samples contained antibodies reacting with HTLV-I and HTLV-II, too. Activated interferon (IFN) system was found in patients with clinical remission of AIBL, as it was detected by IFN titration in their plasma samples. Data suggest the etiological role in AIBL of virus(es) related to the HTLV family.