Fig. 1
![Fig. 1](http://media.springernature.com/full/springer-static/image/art%3A10.1186%2Fs12885-018-5209-5/MediaObjects/12885_2018_5209_Fig1_HTML.png)
HTLV-I- proviral load in ATLL, ACs, and HAM/TSP groups. The PVL in ATLL patients was significantly higher than in ACs (P = 0.003, Mann–Whitney U test). The PVL between ATLL and HAM/TSP patients was statistically different (P = 0.041, Mann–Whitney U test). No significant difference was found between ACs and HAM/TSP. *P < 0.05, **P < 0.01. PVL, proviral load; ATLL, adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma; ACs, asympthomatic carriers; HAM/TSP, HTLV-1-associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis