ATL is a unique T-cell malignancy first described by Takatsuki and colleagues in 1970s. We estimate that more than 300 patients a year have been detected in the endemic areas of Kyushu, Japan. The surface phenotype of ATL cells characterized by monoclonal antibodies is T3+, T4+, T8-, T11+ and Tac+.
Strongyloidiasis is a parasitic infection that occurs in tropical regions. Hyperinfection, which is an accelerated autoinfection, is often associated with an immunosuppressive state, such as HTLV-1 infection or steroid use. Immunosuppression can also lead to reactivation of tuberculosis infection.