Human T-lymphotropic virus type I (HTLV-I) was the first retrovirus which was directly associated with adult T-cell leukemia (ATL). Infection with HTLV-I can also lead to various other diseases, e.g. HTLV-I-associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP) and HTLV-I uveitis, possibly via induction of immunodeficiency or hyperreactivity against HTLV-I-infected cells. Epidemiological data have shown that patients who developed these diseases represent a small percentage of HTLV-I-infected individuals living in restricted geographical areas. The identification of HTLV-I-infected individuals using serological and DNA-diagnostic methods is important because knowledge of HTLV-I seropositivity may help to prevent the transmission between sexual partners, as well as transmission from mother to child and blood transfusion. It also assists in establishing a diagnosis of ATL, HAM/ TSP and other HTLV-I-associated diseases.