To describe the frequency of urologic manifestations in human T-cell lymphotropic virus type I (HTLV-I) seropositive individuals from Salvador and other cities in Bahia, Brazil, with or without clinical HTLV-I-associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP).

A total of 218 HTLV-I seropositive subjects referred from blood banks or neurologic clinics were admitted to the HTLV-I multidisciplinary outpatient clinic from January 2001 to April 2004. They were assessed using a standardized questionnaire to determine urinary complaints and quality of life. Neurologic impairment was established using the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS). HAM/TSP was considered as an EDSS score of 2 or greater.

Nocturia (35.8%) was the most frequent finding, followed by incontinence (29.8%), urgency (25.2%), frequency (22.0%), and dysuria (15.6%). Differences were found between individuals with an EDSS score of 0 and those with an EDSS score greater than 0 but less than 2 regarding frequency, nocturia, urgency, urinary loss of any degree, and quality of life. Dysuria and great or total urinary loss were more frequent among those with severe HAM/TSP (EDSS score greater than 6).

Even HTLV-I subjects considered not to have HAM/TSP may have prominent urinary findings already present. Urologic manifestations, including nocturia and urinary loss, might be early manifestations of neurologic disease in those with HTLV-I.