Detection of human T cell leukemia virus type I and human immunodeficiency virus in cultured lymphocytes of a Zairian man with AIDS.

We report the detection of human T cell leukemia virus type I (HTLV-I) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in the cultured lymphocytes of a 45-year-old Zairian man with AIDS. HIV was successfully isolated and analyzed by SDS-PAGE and competition radioimmunoassay. However, by the culture techniques used, HTLV-I could not be separated from the HIV. Western blot analysis of the patient's serum showed the presence of both HTLV-I- and HIV-specific antibodies. The finding of this dual infection may explain reports that greater than or equal to 30% of patients with AIDS are positive for antibodies to HTLV-I.