Work-Related Human T-lymphotropic Virus 1 and 2 (HTLV-1/2) Infection: A Systematic Review.

Human T-lymphotropic virus 1 and 2 (HTLV-1/2) belong to the delta group of retroviruses which may cause a life-long infection in humans, HTLV-1 leading to adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma and other diseases. Different transmission modes have been described, such as breastfeeding, and, as for other blood-borne pathogens, unsafe sexual activity, intravenous drug usage, and blood transfusion and transplantation. The present systematic review was conducted to identify all peer-reviewed studies concerning the work-related infection by HTLV-1/2. A literature search was conducted from January to May 2021, according to the PRISMA methodology, selecting 29 studies: seven related to health care workers (HCWs), five to non-HCWs, and 17 to sex workers (SWs). The findings showed no clear evidence as to the possibility of HTLV-1/2 occupational transmission in HCWs, according to the limited number and quality of the papers. Moreover, non-HCWs showed a higher prevalence in jobs consistent with a lower socioeconomic status or that could represent a familial cluster, and an increased risk of zoonotic transmission from STLV-1-infected non-human primates has been observed in African hunters. Finally, a general increase of HTLV-1 infection was observed in SWs, whereas only one paper described an increased prevalence for HTLV-2, supporting the urgent need for prevention and control measures, including screening, diagnosis, and treatment of HTLV-1/2, to be offered routinely as part of a comprehensive approach to decrease the impact of sexually transmitted diseases in SWs.

The HTLV-1 viral oncoproteins Tax and HBZ reprogram the cellular mRNA splicing landscape.

Viral infections are known to hijack the transcription and translation of the host cell. However, the extent to which viral proteins coordinate these perturbations remains unclear. Here we used a model system, the human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1), and systematically analyzed the transcriptome and interactome of key effectors oncoviral proteins Tax and HBZ. We showed that Tax and HBZ target distinct but also common transcription factors. Unexpectedly, we also uncovered a large set of interactions with RNA-binding proteins, including the U2 auxiliary factor large subunit (U2AF2), a key cellular regulator of pre-mRNA splicing. We discovered that Tax and HBZ perturb the splicing landscape by altering cassette exons in opposing manners, with Tax inducing exon inclusion while HBZ induces exon exclusion. Among Tax- and HBZ-dependent splicing changes, we identify events that are also altered in Adult T cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATLL) samples from two independent patient cohorts, and in well-known cancer census genes. Our interactome mapping approach, applicable to other viral oncogenes, has identified spliceosome perturbation as a novel mechanism coordinated by Tax and HBZ to reprogram the transcriptome.

Risk factors for HTLV-1, acute kidney injury, and urinary tract infection among aboriginal adults with end stage kidney disease in central Australia.

Central Australia is a human T-cell leukemia virus type 1c (HTLV-1c) endemic region and has the highest incidence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in Australia. The factors associated with HTLV-1 seropositivity among Aboriginal Australian adults with CKD receiving hemodialysis (HD) were determined. A retrospective observational study of Aboriginal adults (≥ 18 years) who were receiving regular HD at the two main dialysis units in Alice Springs, December 1, 2010 to December 31, 2015. Demographic and clinical data before commencing HD were extracted from hospital records from the first presentation to Alice Springs Hospital (ASH) to HD commencement and associations were determined using logistic regression. Among 373 patients receiving HD, 133 (35.9%) were HTLV-1 infected. Identifiable factors associated with HTLV-1 status included increasing age, male gender, and diabetes before HD. The odds of diabetes mellitus were significantly higher among patients with HTLV-1 (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 2.76, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.19, 6.39; p = 0.017). More than one-fifth of participants had an acute kidney injury, the risk of which was increased among those with a previous blood stream infection (aOR: 3.02, 95% CI: 1.71, 5.34, p < 0.001). Men with a high HTLV-1 proviral load (≥500 copies per 105 peripheral blood leukocytes) had an increased risk of urinary tract infection (UTI) before HD (aOR: 5.15, 95% CI: 1.62, 16.40; p = 0.006). A strong association between HTLV-1 and diabetes, and an increased risk of UTI among men with a high HTLV-1 PVL, suggest that interactions between HTLV-1 infection and conventional risk factors may increase the risk for CKD in this population.

HTLV-I and Strongyloides in Australia: The worm lurking beneath.

Strongyloidiasis and HTLV-I (human T-lymphotropic virus-1) are important infections that are endemic in many countries around the world with an estimated 370 million infected with Strongyloides stercoralis alone, and 5-10 million with HTVL-I. Co-infections with these pathogens are associated with significant morbidity and can be fatal. HTLV-I infects T-cells thus causing dysregulation of the immune system which has been linked to dissemination and hyperinfection of S. stercoralis leading to bacterial sepsis which can result in death. Both of these pathogens are endemic in Australia primarily in remote communities in Queensland, the Northern Territory, and Western Australia. Other cases in Australia have occurred in immigrants and refugees, returned travellers, and Australian Defence Force personnel. HTLV-I infection is lifelong with no known cure. Strongyloidiasis is a long-term chronic disease that can remain latent for decades, as shown by infections diagnosed in prisoners of war from World War II and the Vietnam War testing positive decades after they returned from these conflicts. This review aims to shed light on concomitant infections of HTLV-I with S. stercoralis primarily in Australia but in the global context as well.

HTLV-1 infection: An emerging risk. Pathogenesis, epidemiology, diagnosis and associated diseases.

The Human T-Lymphotropic Virus type 1 (HTLV-1) affects up to 10 million people worldwide. It is directly associated to one of the most aggressive T cell malignancies: Adult T Cell Leukemia-Lymphoma (ATLL) and a progressive neurological disorder, Tropical Spastic Paraparesis/ HTLV-1 Associated Myelopathy (TSP/HAM). Also, infected patients tend to have more severe forms of infectious diseases such as Strongyloidiasis and Tuberculosis. HTLV spreads through parenteral, sexual, and vertical (mother-to-child) routes. Effective viral transmission is produced mainly by cell to cell mechanism, unlike other retroviruses such as HIV, which usually spread infecting cells in a cell-free form. HTLV also has a peculiar distribution, with clusters of high endemicity in nearby areas of very low prevalence or absence of the virus. This could be explained by factors including a possible founder effect, the predominance of mother to child transmission and the cell-to-cell trans-mission mechanisms. More data on viral epidemiology are needed in order to develop strategies in endemic areas aimed at reducing viral dissemination. In this review, we critically analyze HTLV-1 pathogenesis, epidemiology, diagnosis, associated diseases, preventive strategies, and treatments, with emphasis to the emerging risk for Europe and particularly Spain, focusing on prevention methods to avoid viral transmission and associated diseases.

Association between -221 X/Y polymorphism of mannose-binding lectin (MBL) gene and susceptibility to HTLV-1 infection among people from an endemic region in the Northeast of Iran.

BACKGROUND: The role of (MBL) gene single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) has been well documented in susceptibility to several infectious diseases. This study aimed to investigate the association between two MBL promoter variants, -550 H/L and -221 X/Y, and susceptibility to HTLV-1 infection. METHODS: A total of 153 subjects infected with HTLV-1 and 169 healthy controls were recruited. SSP-PCR method was applied to genotype -550 H/L and -221 X/Y polymorphisms. Associations between genotypes or alleles and susceptibility to HTLV-1 infection were analyzed by Pearson's Chi-Square. p ≤ .05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Statistical analysis revealed significant differences between the two groups in the -221 position (χ2 = 19.709; p = .000). The MBL YX genotype was significantly associated with increased susceptibility to HTLV-1 (OR = 2.73, %95 CI = 1.74-4.30). Combined genotype of the two loci showed that the HYHX genotype (OR = 2.20, 95% CI = 1.95-2.48) and LYLX (OR = 1.97, 95% CI = 1.13-3.45) were associated with an increased risk of HTLV-1 infection. CONCLUSION: Our results represent the importance of -221 X > Y variants in acquisition of HTLV-1 as this is the case for several other viral and bacterial infections.

HTLV-1 infection in solid organ transplant donors and recipients in Spain.

BACKGROUND: HTLV-1 infection is a neglected disease, despite infecting 10-15 million people worldwide and severe illnesses develop in 10% of carriers lifelong. Acknowledging a greater risk for developing HTLV-1 associated illnesses due to immunosuppression, screening is being widely considered in the transplantation setting. Herein, we report the experience with universal HTLV testing of donors and recipients of solid organ transplants in a survey conducted in Spain. METHODS: All hospitals belonging to the Spanish HTLV network were invited to participate in the study. Briefly, HTLV antibody screening was performed retrospectively in all specimens collected from solid organ donors and recipients attended since the year 2008. RESULTS: A total of 5751 individuals were tested for HTLV antibodies at 8 sites. Donors represented 2312 (42.2%), of whom 17 (0.3%) were living kidney donors. The remaining 3439 (59.8%) were recipients. Spaniards represented nearly 80%. Overall, 9 individuals (0.16%) were initially reactive for HTLV antibodies. Six were donors and 3 were recipients. Using confirmatory tests, HTLV-1 could be confirmed in only two donors, one Spaniard and another from Colombia. Both kidneys of the Spaniard were inadvertently transplanted. Subacute myelopathy developed within 1 year in one recipient. The second recipient seroconverted for HTLV-1 but the kidney had to be removed soon due to rejection. Immunosuppression was stopped and 3 years later the patient remains in dialysis but otherwise asymptomatic. CONCLUSION: The rate of HTLV-1 is low but not negligible in donors/recipients of solid organ transplants in Spain. Universal HTLV screening should be recommended in all donor and recipients of solid organ transplantation in Spain. Evidence is overwhelming for very high virus transmission and increased risk along with the rapid development of subacute myelopathy.

First Report of Prevalence of Blood-Borne Viruses (HBV, HCV, HIV, HTLV-1 and Parvovirus B19) Among Hemophilia Patients in Afghanistan.

Blood-borne viruses including Hepatitis B and C, HIV, HTLV-1 and parvovirus B19 are still a factor of concern, especially for hemophilia patients. Although the safety of the blood supply continues to improve worldwide, the blood supply system in Afghanistan was damaged by many years of conflict and political instability. To date, there are few studies focused on the prevalence of blood-borne viruses in hemophilia patients. This study is first to investigate the prevalence of five blood-borne viruses in Afghanistan hemophilia patients in four cities including Kabul, Herat, Mazar-i-Sharif and Jalal Abad. A total of 80 hemophilia male patients were screening for the presence of five transfusion-transmitted viruses using ELISA and PCR. Data obtained showed 2.5% seropositivity for HBV, 8.75% seropositivity for HCV, and 91.25% seropositivity for parvovirus B19. None of the patients were positive for HIV and HTLV-1 and the prevalence of HCV was higher in older patients rather than younger patients. This finding, the first to report in Afghanistan, shows a high prevalence of parvovirus B19 in Afghanistan hemophilia patients and implementation of highly sensitive screening is necessary.

Human T-cell lymphotrophic virus in solid-organ transplant recipients: Guidelines from the American society of transplantation infectious diseases community of practice.

These updated guidelines from the Infectious Diseases Community of Practice of the American Society of Transplantation review the diagnosis, prevention, and management of Human T-cell lymphotrophic virus 1 (HTLV)-1 in the pre- and post-transplant period. HTLV-1 is an oncogenic human retrovirus rare in North America but endemic in the Caribbean and parts of Africa, South America, Asia, and Oceania. While most infected persons do not develop disease, <5% will develop adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma or neurological disease. No proven antiviral treatment for established HTLV-1 infection is available. The effect of immunosuppression on the development of HTLV-1-associated disease in asymptomatically infected recipients is not well characterized, and HTLV-1-infected individuals should be counseled that immunosuppression may increase the risk of developing HTLV-1-associated disease and they should be monitored post-transplant for HTLV-1-associated disease. Currently approved screening assays do not distinguish between HTLV-1 and HTLV-2, and routine screening of deceased donors without risk factors in low seroprevalence areas is likely to result in significant organ wastage and is not recommended. Targeted screening of donors with risk factors for HTLV-1 infection and of living donors (as time is available to perform confirmatory tests) is reasonable.

Human T-lymphotropic virus type 1 infection and solid organ transplantation.

HTLV infection appears to be more common among renal transplant candidates than in the related general population. HTLV-1-associated diseases may occur in carriers who are transplanted but there is insufficient evidence to confirm whether these occur more frequently as a result of the associated immunosuppression. Consequently, pre-existing HTLV-1 infection should not be considered a contra-indication to transplantation. The risk of transmission of HTLV-1 through solid organ transplantation from a confirmed infected donor is unknown. There are anecdotes of multiple infections from a single donor. Biologically due to the significant volume of blood and the lack of storage, transmission would be expected to be higher than following blood transfusion. The rate of subsequent disease is unknown, but there are now 11 reports of HAM and 2 of ATL occurring within 4 years of transplantation associated infection. There are insufficient data to know whether the time from infection to onset of disease and the rate of progression differ from transmission through other routes, but early onset and rapid progression is a concern. Responses to enhanced immunosuppression for the treatment of HAM are variable. The risk of HTLV-1 associated disease in exchange for a life-saving major organ transplantation from an infected donor might be considered worth taking by some HTLV-1 uninfected patients. Peri-transplantation antiretroviral prophylaxis with zidovudine and raltegravir is biologically sound but therapeutically unproven. The risks related to HTLV-1 infection appear to preclude the use of any other tissue. All transplant donors should be screened for HTLV-1 infection regardless of perceived risk.

Sexually Transmitted Diseases: from HPV to HTLV--clinical profile and associated factors.

The Brazilian Ministry of Health recommends the performance of serological tests in patients with clinical signs of Sexually Transmitted Diseases. However, data are lacking to affirm the necessity of testing these patients for human T-lymphotropic virus type 1 or type 2. This is a cross-sectional study with 120 patients seen at the Sexually Transmitted Diseases unit of the Sanitary Dermatology Outpatient Clinic of Rio Grande do Sul. The serum from none of the patients was positive for human T-lymphotropic virus type 1 or type 2. Viral warts were the most frequent diagnosis. Drug use was confirmed as a risk factor and high educational levels were found to be a protective factor against Sexually Transmitted Diseases.

Human T-lymphotropic virus type 1-infected cells secrete exosomes that contain Tax protein.

Human T-lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) is the causative agent of adult T-cell leukemia and HTLV-1-associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis. The HTLV-1 transactivator protein Tax controls many critical cellular pathways, including host cell DNA damage response mechanisms, cell cycle progression, and apoptosis. Extracellular vesicles called exosomes play critical roles during pathogenic viral infections as delivery vehicles for host and viral components, including proteins, mRNA, and microRNA. We hypothesized that exosomes derived from HTLV-1-infected cells contain unique host and viral proteins that may contribute to HTLV-1-induced pathogenesis. We found exosomes derived from infected cells to contain Tax protein and proinflammatory mediators as well as viral mRNA transcripts, including Tax, HBZ, and Env. Furthermore, we observed that exosomes released from HTLV-1-infected Tax-expressing cells contributed to enhanced survival of exosome-recipient cells when treated with Fas antibody. This survival was cFLIP-dependent, with Tax showing induction of NF-κB in exosome-recipient cells. Finally, IL-2-dependent CTLL-2 cells that received Tax-containing exosomes were protected from apoptosis through activation of AKT. Similar experiments with primary cultures showed protection and survival of peripheral blood mononuclear cells even in the absence of phytohemagglutinin/IL-2. Surviving cells contained more phosphorylated Rb, consistent with the role of Tax in regulation of the cell cycle. Collectively, these results suggest that exosomes may play an important role in extracellular delivery of functional HTLV-1 proteins and mRNA to recipient cells.

Incidence of human T cell lymphotropic virus type 1-associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis in a long-term prospective cohort study of initially asymptomatic individuals in Brazil.

The incidence of human T cell lymphotropic virus type 1 (HLTV-1)-associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP) is not well defined in the literature. Several studies have reported different incidence rates, and recent publications suggest a higher incidence and prevalence of HAM/TSP. The interdisciplinary HTLV Research Group (GIPH) is a prospective open cohort study of individuals infected with HTLV-1/2. This study describes the demographic data and HAM/TSP incidence rate observed in 181 HTLV-1-seropositive individuals and compares the results with previous reports in the literature. HAM/TSP was diagnosed on the basis of the World Health Organization diagnostic criteria and De Castro-Costa et al. [Proposal for diagnostic criteria of tropical spastic paraparesis/HTLV-I-associated myelopathy (TSP/HAM). AIDS Res Hum Retroviruses 2006;22:931-935]. Seven HAM/TSP incident cases were observed during the follow-up. The HAM/TSP incidence density was 5.3 cases per 1,000 HTLV-1-seropositive cases per year (95% confidence interval: 2.6-10.9), with a mean follow-up of 7±4 years (range: 1 month to 15 years). HAM/TSP was more frequent in women in their 40s and 50s with probable infection via the sexual route. The HAM/TSP incidence density among HTLV-1-seropositive cases observed in the present study is higher than that in previous studies. HAM/TSP may be underdiagnosed in countries like Brazil where HTLV infection is prevalent. Orientation and prevent transmission of HTLV programs are needed. Currently, preventing HTLV-1 transmission is the most effective way to reduce the impact of HAM/TSP on society.

Dynamic roles for NF-κB in HTLV-I and HIV-1 retroviral pathogenesis.

Viruses and hosts are involved in a continuing 'arms race'. The body deploys multiple defenses; however, viruses utilize generally superior and more rapidly evolving tactics for negating host immune surveillance and viral clearance. In the case of the two major pathogenic human retroviruses, human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1) and human T-lymphotrophic virus-I (HTLV-I), the nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) transcription factor plays a key role in the host's anti-viral responses involving both the innate and adaptive arms of the immune response. Similarly, these retroviruses capably exploit NF-κB for their replication, spread, and pathogenic functions. In this review, we discuss the dynamic and intimate interplay that occurs between NF-κB and the HTLV-I and HIV-1 retroviral pathogens.

Infecções pelo vírus linfotrópico humano (HTLV) / Infections by human lymphotropic virus (HTLV)

No presente artigo são revistos os aspectos clínicos das infecções pelo HTLV-I e HTLV-II.

In the present paper the clinical aspects of HTLV-I and HTLV-II infections are reviewed.

Tropical pyomyositis in a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus and HTLV 1/2 infection.

Tropical pyomyositis (TP) is an unusual infectious disease of skeletal muscles, caused by bacteria, and often associated with immunodeficiency conditions. The involvement of deep pelvic muscles, such as the iliac muscle, is even rarer. The association of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and PT is seldom reported in the literature. Because SLE involves a state of immunosuppression resulting from both the disease itself and its medicamentous treatment, SLE patients are at higher risk for developing infections, such as PT. Infection by HTLV 1/2 is increasingly identified and associated with autoimmune diseases, such as SLE. This is a case report of PT in the pelvic muscles of a female patient with SLE, chronic kidney failure, on hemodialysis, and HTLV1/2 infection, admitted to the Hospital Heliópolis, in the city of São Paulo, Brazil.

Piomiosite tropical em paciente com lúpus eritematoso sistêmico e infecção por HTLV 1/2 / Tropical pyomyositis in a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus and HTLV 1/2 infection

A piomiosite tropical (PT) é uma doença infecciosa da musculatura esquelética, de etiologia bacteriana, incomum, e muitas vezes associada a situações de imunodeficiência. O envolvimento de musculatura pélvica profunda, como o músculo ilíaco, é uma condição ainda mais incomum. A associação de lúpus eritematoso sistêmico (LES) e PT é pouco relatada na literatura. Como o LES é uma situação de imunodepressão tanto pela doença em si como pelas medicações utilizadas no seu tratamento, esses pacientes tornam-se grupo de risco para o desenvolvimento de infecções, como PT. A infecção pelo HTLV está cada vez sendo mais identificada e associada a patologias nas quais autoimunidade está implicada, como é o caso do LES. Os autores descrevem um caso de PT de localização no músculo ilíaco em paciente portadora de LES, insuficiência renal crônica, em hemodiálise, além de portadora do vírus HTLV 1/2, internada no Hospital Heliópolis, em São Paulo, Brasil.

Tropical pyomyositis (TP) is an unusual infectious disease of skeletal muscles, caused by bacteria, and often associated with immunodeficiency conditions. The involvement of deep pelvic muscles, such as the iliac muscle, is even rarer. The association of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and PT is seldom reported in the literature. Because SLE involves a state of immunosuppression resulting from both the disease itself and its medicamentous treatment, SLE patients are at higher risk for developing infections, such as PT. Infection by HTLV 1/2 is increasingly identified and associated with autoimmune diseases, such as SLE. This is a case report of PT in the pelvic muscles of a female patient with SLE, chronic kidney failure, on hemodialysis, and HTLV1/2 infection, admitted to the Hospital Heliópolis, in the city of São Paulo, Brazil.

Dermatitis infectiva: una revisión: a propósito de una experiencia peruana / Infective dermatitis: a review: about Peruvian experience

La dermatitis infectiva es una enfermedad eccematosa crónica de la niñez, que siempre compromete el cuero cabelludo y puede progresar a leucemia/linfoma de células T o a paraparesia espástica tropical. Es una condición dermatológica especial que está relacionada a la infección por el retrovirus linfotrópico humano a células T de tipo 1 (HTVL-1). En la niñez la forma de trasmisión más importante es a través de la lactancia materna. La expresión clínica así como su progresión están relacionadas con la carga viral, condiciones inmunológicas del paciente (infestación por Strongiloides stercoralis) y la intensidad de la respuesta inflamatoria. En esta revisión se destacan las características clínicas de esta entidad y se resaltan además sus hallazgos histopatológicos.

Infective dermatitis is a chronic, eczematous dermatitis of childhood that always involves the scalp and may progress to adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma or tropical spastic paraparesis. It is a special dermatologic condition that has been linked to human T-cell lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) infection. The most important route of transmission is vertical through breast-feeding. The clinical expression as well as its progression is related to viral load, immune status of patients (infestation by Strongyloides stercoralis) and the intensity of the inflammatory response. This review highlights the clinical features of this entity and also emphasizes its histopathological findings.