ABSTRACT
A silent spread of human T cell lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) has been occurring for thousands of years, with a high prevalence in some regions due to the sexual and vertical transmission and formation of family clusters. The time from HTLV-1 infection until the onset of virus-associated diseases is extremely long, approximately one to three decades. In this study, we evaluated intrafamilial HTLV-1 transmission and associated diseases in 1,204 individuals enrolled and followed up by the GIPH cohort between 1997 and 2017. The family groups (n = 43) were composed of 279 individuals who were tested for HTLV-1/human T cell lymphotropic virus type 2 (HTLV-2) and were classified as two groups according to the index case: blood donor (blood donors referred to the GIPH cohort) and nondonor (individuals referred to the GIPH cohort by other health services). The observed rates of HTLV-1 transmission and associated diseases among the relatives were high. Of 236 family members and sexual partners tested for HTLV, 104 (44.1%) were confirmed as having HTLV infection, with 36.7% of relatives whose index case was blood donors and 56.9% of relatives with nondonor index cases. At least one case of HTLV-1-associated myelopathy was observed in 42.9% of the families with intrafamilial transmission of HTLV-1. Brazil is an endemic area for HTLV-1/2 and has implemented mandatory universal screening of blood donors for HTLV-1/2 since 1993. However, the lack of public health services offer diagnosis for HTLV to the general population and pregnant women in the country makes it difficult to identify infected people, and contributes to the silent spread of the virus.
Subject(s)
HTLV-I Infections , Human T-lymphotropic virus 1 , Humans , Brazil/epidemiology , HTLV-I Infections/epidemiology , HTLV-I Infections/transmission , Female , Male , Adult , Prevalence , Middle Aged , Human T-lymphotropic virus 1/genetics , Human T-lymphotropic virus 1/isolation & purification , Young Adult , Cohort Studies , Adolescent , Human T-lymphotropic virus 2/isolation & purification , Family , Aged , Blood Donors/statistics & numerical data , HTLV-II Infections/epidemiology , HTLV-II Infections/transmission , Follow-Up StudiesABSTRACT
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.
Subject(s)
HTLV-I Infections , HTLV-II Infections , Human T-lymphotropic virus 1 , Human T-lymphotropic virus 2 , Occupational Diseases , Animals , Humans , Health Personnel/statistics & numerical data , HTLV-I Infections/epidemiology , HTLV-I Infections/etiology , HTLV-I Infections/transmission , HTLV-II Infections/epidemiology , HTLV-II Infections/etiology , HTLV-II Infections/transmission , Human T-lymphotropic virus 1/pathogenicity , Human T-lymphotropic virus 2/pathogenicity , Occupational Diseases/epidemiology , Occupational Diseases/virology , Phylogeny , Prevalence , Primates/virology , Sex Workers/statistics & numerical data , Viral Zoonoses/epidemiology , Viral Zoonoses/transmissionABSTRACT
Human T-cell lymphotropic viruses 1 and 2 (HTLV-1/2) are relatively common in Brazil but remain silent and neglected infections. HTLV-1 is associated with a range of diseases with high morbidity and mortality. There is no curative treatment for this lifelong infection, so measures to prevent transmission are essential. This narrative review discusses HTLV-1/2 transmission routes and measures to prevent its continuous dissemination. The public health policies that are currently implemented in Brazil to avoid HTLV-1/2 transmission are addressed, and further strategies are proposed.
Subject(s)
HTLV-I Infections/transmission , HTLV-II Infections/transmission , Human T-lymphotropic virus 1/physiology , Human T-lymphotropic virus 2/physiology , Brazil/epidemiology , HTLV-I Infections/epidemiology , HTLV-I Infections/virology , HTLV-II Infections/epidemiology , HTLV-II Infections/virology , Health Policy , Human T-lymphotropic virus 1/genetics , Human T-lymphotropic virus 2/genetics , Humans , Public PolicyABSTRACT
HTLV-1/2 are transmitted sexually, by whole cell blood products and from mother-to-child (MTC), mainly through breastfeeding. HTLV-1/2 prevalence in pregnant women is high in Rio de Janeiro, however there were no local studies addressing the rate of adverse pregnancy outcomes (APO) and MTC transmission. The aim was to study sociodemographic characteristics which may be associated to HTLV-1/2 infection and describe pregnancy outcomes and MTC transmission in HTLV-1/2-positive women. The cross-sectional study screened 1,628 pregnant women in of Rio de Janeiro (2012-2014) and found 12 asymptomatic carrier mothers (prevalence = 0.74%). Pregnancy outcome information was retrieved from medical records. Sociodemographic characteristics were similar between the positive and negative groups except for maternal age, which was higher in carrier mothers. The incidence of adverse pregnancy outcomes was similar in infected and non-infected patients (p = 0.33), however there was a high rate of premature rupture of membranes (PROM) amid infected mothers (3/12). Multilevel logistic regression found that for each additional year of age, the chance of being HTLV-1/2-positive increased 11% and that having another sexually transmitted infection (STI) increased 9 times the chance of being infected. Carrier mothers had more antenatal visits (OR = 5.26). Among the children of HTLV-1/2-positive mothers there was one fetal death, one infant death and one loss of follow-up. After two years of follow-up there was one case of MTC transmission (1/9). The mother reported breastfeeding for one month only. Knowledge about factors associated to HTLV-1/2 infection, its impact on pregnancy outcomes and the MTC transmission rate is important to guide public health policies on antenatal screening and management.
Subject(s)
HTLV-I Infections/transmission , HTLV-II Infections/transmission , Infectious Disease Transmission, Vertical , Pregnancy Complications, Infectious/epidemiology , Pregnancy Outcome , Adult , Brazil/epidemiology , Child, Preschool , Cities/epidemiology , Cross-Sectional Studies , Demography , Female , HTLV-I Infections/epidemiology , HTLV-II Infections/epidemiology , Hospitals, Public , Humans , Incidence , Infant , Infant, Newborn , Pregnancy , Socioeconomic Factors , Urban Population , Young AdultABSTRACT
Independent epidemiology for respective human T-cell lymphotropic virus (HTLV) types 1 and 2 is little known in blood donors in Brazil, where screening for HTLV-1/2 is mandatory at blood banks, but no testing to confirm/differentiate these viruses. Therefore, this study aims to assess the prevalence of HTLV-1 and -2 in a first-time blood donor population in Northeastern Brazil and to carry out molecular characterization of respective isolates. A cross-sectional study was conducted at the State Blood Bank in Piauí. Samples were screened for anti-HTLV-1/2 by enzyme immunoassay, and reactive samples were confirmed using a line immunoassay and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Of 37 306 blood donors, 47 were anti-HTLV-1/2 reactive by enzyme immunoassay. After confirmed by line immunoassay, 22 were positive for HTLV-1 (0.59 per 1000; 95% CI: 0.38-0.87), 14 were positive for HTLV-2 (0.37 per 1000; 95% CI: 0.21-0.61), 1 was indeterminate, and the remaining donors were negative. The HTLV-1 infection was also confirmed by PCR in all anti-HTLV-1-positive samples, and sequencing classified these isolates as belonging to the Transcontinental (A) subgroup of the Cosmopolitan (1a) subtype. Of 14 anti-HTLV-2-positive samples, 11 were also PCR positive, which belonged to subtype a (HTLV-2a/c). In addition, 38 family members of 5 HTLV-1- and 3 HTLV-2-infected donors were analyzed. Familial transmission of HTLV-1 and -2 was evidenced in 3 families. In conclusion, in Northeastern Brazil, where HTLV-1 and -2 are endemic, counseling blood donor candidates and their families might play a key role in limiting the spread of these viruses.
Subject(s)
Blood Donors , Disease Transmission, Infectious , Family Health , HTLV-I Infections/epidemiology , HTLV-II Infections/epidemiology , Human T-lymphotropic virus 1/isolation & purification , Human T-lymphotropic virus 2/isolation & purification , Adolescent , Adult , Aged , Antibodies, Viral/blood , Brazil , Cross-Sectional Studies , Female , Genotype , HTLV-I Infections/transmission , HTLV-II Infections/transmission , Human T-lymphotropic virus 1/classification , Human T-lymphotropic virus 1/genetics , Human T-lymphotropic virus 1/immunology , Human T-lymphotropic virus 2/classification , Human T-lymphotropic virus 2/genetics , Human T-lymphotropic virus 2/immunology , Humans , Immunoassay , Male , Middle Aged , Molecular Epidemiology , Polymerase Chain Reaction , Prevalence , Sequence Analysis, DNA , Young AdultABSTRACT
Many countries currently perform antibody screening for HTLV-1 infection in blood donors, and this intervention is likely cost-effective in preventing HTLV-1 related diseases in high prevalence countries. However, a number of high-income countries with low prevalence of HTLV-1 infection also perform universal HTLV-1 screening and debate has arisen regarding the cost-effectiveness of these strategies. Filter-based leukoreduction is likely to substantially reduce HTLV-1 transmission by removing infected lymphocytes, but actual laboratory data on its efficacy is currently lacking. Similarly, cost-effectiveness research on HTLV-1 prevention strategies is limited by poor data on prevalence, transmission efficacy and the cost of treating HTLV1 diseases.
Subject(s)
Donor Selection , HTLV-I Infections/blood , HTLV-II Infections/blood , Human T-lymphotropic virus 1/isolation & purification , Human T-lymphotropic virus 2/isolation & purification , Viremia/diagnosis , Blood Donors , Blood Safety , Blood Transfusion/standards , Cost-Benefit Analysis , Donor Selection/economics , Donor Selection/standards , Forecasting , Global Health , HTLV-I Infections/epidemiology , HTLV-I Infections/prevention & control , HTLV-I Infections/transmission , HTLV-II Infections/epidemiology , HTLV-II Infections/prevention & control , HTLV-II Infections/transmission , Humans , Leukocyte Reduction Procedures , Lymphocytes/virology , Prevalence , Seroconversion , Transfusion Reaction , Viremia/epidemiology , Viremia/transmissionABSTRACT
Human T-cell leukemia viruses (HTLV-1 and HTLV-2) are associated with a variety of human diseases, including some severe ones. Transfusion transmission of HTLV through cellular blood components is undeniable. HTLV screening of blood donations became mandatory in different countries to improve the safety of blood supplies. In Japan and Europe, most HTLV-infected donors are HTLV-1 positive, whereas in the United States a higher prevalence of HTLV-2 is reported. Many industrialized countries have also introduced universal leukoreduction of blood components, and pathogen inactivation technologies might be another effective preventive strategy, especially if and when generalized to all blood cellular products. Considering all measures available to minimize HTLV blood transmission, the question is what would be the most suitable and cost-effective strategy to ensure a high level of blood safety regarding these viruses, considering that there is no solution that can be deemed optimal for all countries.
Subject(s)
Blood Safety/methods , HTLV-I Infections/prevention & control , HTLV-II Infections/prevention & control , Blood Donors , Blood Safety/economics , Cost-Benefit Analysis , Europe/epidemiology , Global Health , HTLV-I Infections/diagnosis , HTLV-I Infections/epidemiology , HTLV-I Infections/transmission , HTLV-II Infections/diagnosis , HTLV-II Infections/epidemiology , HTLV-II Infections/transmission , Human T-lymphotropic virus 1/isolation & purification , Human T-lymphotropic virus 2/isolation & purification , Humans , Prevalence , United States/epidemiologySubject(s)
Humans , Sexually Transmitted Diseases/prevention & control , HTLV-I Infections/diagnosis , HTLV-I Infections/epidemiology , HTLV-I Infections/transmission , HTLV-II Infections/diagnosis , HTLV-II Infections/epidemiology , HTLV-II Infections/transmission , Public Health/legislation & jurisprudence , Vulnerable PopulationsSubject(s)
Humans , HTLV-I Infections/diagnosis , HTLV-I Infections/epidemiology , HTLV-II Infections/diagnosis , HTLV-II Infections/epidemiology , HTLV-I Infections/transmission , HTLV-II Infections/transmission , Sexually Transmitted Diseases/prevention & control , Vulnerable Populations , Public Health/legislation & jurisprudenceABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: In the United States, blood products are tested for infectious diseases including human T-lymphotropic virus (HTLV)-I/II. Positive results of maternal blood samples at the time of cord blood (CB) donation must be reported to mother and physician. Tests for HTLV have a high false-positive rate. This is problematic because there is no prenatal testing of the mother. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: This study involves 119,769 maternal blood samples at time of CB donation and evaluates positive results for HTLV in screening tests, supplemental immunoassays, and nucleic acid tests (NATs). Infectious disease markers (IDMs) and maternal health histories of HTLV-positive and -negative mothers were compared. RESULTS: Of 119,769 mothers donating CB, 545 tested positive with the screening test, 33 were positive with the supplemental tests, and two were positive with NAT. When indeterminate results were excluded from the supplemental test only six were positive. Eight of 34 mothers with positive or indeterminate supplemental test results had received intravenous immunoglobulin. There were no significant differences between HTLV-positive and -negative mothers with regard to the incidence of other IDMs. CONCLUSIONS: Testing maternal blood for HTLV is problematic for CB banks, obstetricians, and mothers because of the high false-positive rate. CB banks need rapid turnaround time and supplemental testing. If results on the latter are positive the obstetrician should be notified, educated, do follow-up testing, and counseling. Indeterminate results on supplemental tests are most likely false positives. We recommend that mothers with positive or indeterminate supplemental test results have follow-up NAT.
Subject(s)
Blood Safety/statistics & numerical data , Fetal Blood/virology , HTLV-I Infections , HTLV-II Infections , Human T-lymphotropic virus 1/isolation & purification , Human T-lymphotropic virus 2/isolation & purification , Blood Banks/statistics & numerical data , Deltaretrovirus Antibodies/blood , False Positive Reactions , Female , HTLV-I Infections/blood , HTLV-I Infections/epidemiology , HTLV-I Infections/transmission , HTLV-II Infections/blood , HTLV-II Infections/epidemiology , HTLV-II Infections/transmission , Humans , Medical History Taking , Pregnancy , Prenatal Diagnosis/statistics & numerical data , Prevalence , Risk Factors , Seroepidemiologic Studies , United States/epidemiologyABSTRACT
This article reviews risks of illness or exposures to breastfed infants. Galactosemia in an infant is a contraindication to breastfeeding. There are no medical conditions in the mother that are contraindications, although diagnostic procedures, treatment, or illness can interfere. Restrictive diets or malnutrition are not contraindications but are opportunities to provide nutritional counseling. Environmental toxic exposures within the United States are uncommon; breastfeeding is not usually contraindicated. In any concerning situation, an assessment and discussion of risks and benefits for the mother-infant dyad (breastfed or formula fed) is indicated. Coordinated medical care and lactation assistance can facilitate successful breastfeeding.
Subject(s)
Breast Feeding , Breast Feeding/adverse effects , Contraindications , Diet , Female , Galactosemias , HIV Infections/prevention & control , HIV Infections/transmission , HTLV-I Infections/prevention & control , HTLV-I Infections/transmission , HTLV-II Infections/prevention & control , HTLV-II Infections/transmission , Humans , Infant , Infant, Newborn , Malnutrition , Maternal Exposure/adverse effects , United StatesABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence of human T cell lymphotropic virus (HTLV)-1/2, HIV-1, hepatitis B virus (HBV), Trypanosoma cruzi, Treponema pallidum and Toxoplasma gondii infections and to identify the subtypes/subgroups of HTLV-1/2 among pregnant women (PW) from non-endemic provinces of Argentina. METHODS: Methods A total of 2403 samples were screened for HTLV-1/2 and confirmed by western blot and PCR. The long terminal repeat (LTR) of HTLV-1 and HTLV-2 were amplified. Phylogenetic analysis was performed by Neighbour Joining by using molecular evolutionary genetics analysis (MEGA) 4.0. RESULTS: Among a total of 2403 PW studied, 6 (0.25%) tested positive for HTLV-1/2 (3 HTLV-1 (0.12%) and 3 HTLV-2 (0.12%)). The total prevalence when distributed by province was 0.3% (3/804) for Buenos Aires (BA), 0.4% (1/241) for BA surroundings, 0.1% (1/707) for Neuquen and 1.0% (1/95) for Ushuaia. In San Juan, no PW were HTLV-1/2 positive. The prevalence was similar when compared with rates among blood donors of the same areas and years. The phylogenetic analysis classified one sequence as HTLV-1 aA and one as HTLV-2b. The prevalence of HIV-1, HBV, T cruzi, T pallidum and T gondii was 0.6%, 0.2%, 1.4%, 1.2% and 20.9%, respectively. One case of HTLV-1/HIV-1 and one of HTLV-2/HIV-1 co-infection were detected. CONCLUSIONS: HTLV-1/2, which have been associated with different diseases, are circulating among PW of Argentina, even in non-endemic areas. Therefore, testing should be recommended in women who have risk factors for these infections given that the majority of HTLV-1/2 mother to child transmission can be prevented by the avoidance of breast feeding.
Subject(s)
HTLV-I Infections/epidemiology , HTLV-II Infections/epidemiology , Infectious Disease Transmission, Vertical/statistics & numerical data , Pregnancy Complications, Infectious/epidemiology , Adult , Argentina/epidemiology , Breast Feeding/adverse effects , Female , HIV-1/pathogenicity , HTLV-I Infections/transmission , HTLV-II Infections/transmission , Herpesvirus 6, Human/pathogenicity , Human T-lymphotropic virus 1/pathogenicity , Human T-lymphotropic virus 2/pathogenicity , Humans , Infectious Disease Transmission, Vertical/prevention & control , Phylogeny , Pregnancy , Pregnancy Complications, Infectious/prevention & control , Prevalence , Risk FactorsABSTRACT
Background: The human T-lymphotropic virus I (HTLV-I) causes spastic para-paresis and adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma. It can be sexually transmitted and is highly prevalent in Central and South America. Aim: To study HTLV-I/IIprevalence in serum samples obtained from two Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD) clinics. Material and Methods: Two hundred serum samples were randomly chosen from two reference STD centers of Santiago. The presence of specific HTLV I/II antibodies was detected by indirect immunofluorescence. Results: The analyzed samples came from participants aged 14 to 70 years. Forty nine percent were women and 76% were heterosexual. Only one of the 200 samples was positive (0.5%) and it came from a 70 year-old woman, housewife, with a stable single partner, a history of recurrent genital ulcers, VDRL (-) and positive serology for herpes simplex virus. Conclusions: The prevalence of HTLV-I found in this group is similar to that demonstrated in other populations in Chile, except for aboriginal populations, and similar to international STD studies. Our data is consistent with the low transmissibility by sexual contact.
Subject(s)
Adult , Aged , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , HTLV-I Infections/epidemiology , HTLV-II Infections/epidemiology , Human T-lymphotropic virus 1/isolation & purification , /isolation & purification , Sexually Transmitted Diseases/epidemiology , Chile/epidemiology , HTLV-I Infections/transmission , HTLV-II Infections/transmission , Human T-lymphotropic virus 1/immunology , /immunology , Prevalence , Seroepidemiologic Studies , Sexually Transmitted Diseases/virologyABSTRACT
This study aimed to describe the epidemiological, immunological and molecular features of infection by the human T-lymphotropic virus-1/2 (HTLV-1/2) in individuals with HIV-1 in an urban area of Piaui State, Brazil. Exclusion criteria included patients under 18 years of age, pregnant women or Amerindians. Of 805 individuals analyzed by the serological method (ELISA) for the detection of anti-HTLV-1/2, 18 (2.24%) were positive, but only 13 (1.61%) were confirmed by PCR. The RFLP analysis revealed that nine (1.12%) of these subjects were positive for HTLV-1 and four (0.5%) for HTLV-2. The mean age of these co-infected individuals was 50.9±9.1 years, and a significant association was found with age (above 40 years: p = 0.002), minor surgeries (p = 0.004) and blood transfusion (p = 0.031). Quantification of the T CD4+/CD8+ lymphocytes and the HIV-1 viral load showed no significant association of T CD8 + lymphocyte levels with co-infection in the patients with HIV-1/HTLV-1. The sequencing of the LTR region and phylogenetic analysis indicated that the nine HTLV-1 strains belong to the Transcontinental subgroup of the Cosmopolitan group (1a), with a 83% (neighbor-joining) bootstrap value. The HTLV-2 strains were identified as subtype HTLV-2c, supported by a bootstrap value of 79%. Further studies in other population subgroups, such as blood donors and drug users, will be necessary to clarify the dissemination of HTLV-1/2 in Piau and elucidate the developmental profile of the virus in the region.
Subject(s)
Coinfection/epidemiology , HIV Infections/complications , HIV-1 , HTLV-I Infections/epidemiology , HTLV-II Infections/epidemiology , Adolescent , Adult , Antibodies, Viral/analysis , Brazil/epidemiology , CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes , CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes , Coinfection/immunology , Coinfection/transmission , Female , HIV Infections/immunology , HIV Infections/virology , HTLV-I Infections/immunology , HTLV-I Infections/transmission , HTLV-II Infections/immunology , HTLV-II Infections/transmission , Human T-lymphotropic virus 1/genetics , Human T-lymphotropic virus 1/isolation & purification , Human T-lymphotropic virus 2/genetics , Human T-lymphotropic virus 2/isolation & purification , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Risk Factors , Viral Load , Young AdultABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Human T cell lymphotropic virus type 1 and 2 (HTLV-1/2) causes serious diseases and is endemic in many parts of the world. It is transmitted from mother to child in 15-25% of the cases, primarily through breastfeeding. Proviral load and duration of breastfeeding are thought to play a role in transmission. This study aimed to detect HTLV-seropositive mothers through testing of neonates, to evaluate maternal HTLV proviral load and to measure the rates of transmission blocking when interruption of breastfeeding was implemented. METHODS: Neonates were screened for HTLV-1/2 IgG by enzyme immunoassay using the neonatal screening program of Minas Gerais State, Brazil. Breastfeeding interruption was recommended to those whose mothers were confirmed HTLV-positive. Children were tested by polymerase chain reaction at birth and at 12 months of age. RESULTS: Of 55,293 neonates tested, 42 (0.076%) were positive for HTLV-1 or HTLV-2 IgG. All 42 were polymerase chain reaction-negative at birth and 1 of 37 (2.7%) became antibody-positive after 12 months. His mother had delivered him vaginally and was informed of the positive HTLV-1 polymerase chain reaction after 7 days of breastfeeding. The mother's proviral load was 271 copies/10,000 cells, whereas the average is 109.2 copies/10,000 cells (95% confidence interval: 70.56-147.83). CONCLUSIONS: Maternal HTLV-1 proviral load and the route of delivery may have played a role in the transmission observed. Avoidance of breastfeeding was an effective measure to reduce HTLV transmission. In endemic countries, routine prenatal or neonatal screening combined with formula feeding for mothers confirmed HTLV-positive may be an important strategy to prevent future development of illnesses related to HTLV.
Subject(s)
Breast Feeding , HTLV-I Infections/transmission , HTLV-II Infections/transmission , Human T-lymphotropic virus 1 , Human T-lymphotropic virus 2 , Brazil/epidemiology , Female , HTLV-I Infections/epidemiology , HTLV-I Infections/prevention & control , HTLV-I Infections/virology , HTLV-II Infections/epidemiology , HTLV-II Infections/prevention & control , HTLV-II Infections/virology , Humans , Immunoglobulin G/blood , Infant , Infant, Newborn , Polymerase Chain Reaction , Viral LoadABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The human T-lymphotropic virus I (HTLV-I) causes spastic para-paresis and adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma. It can be sexually transmitted and is highly prevalent in Central and South America. AIM: To study HTLV-I/IIprevalence in serum samples obtained from two Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD) clinics. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Two hundred serum samples were randomly chosen from two reference STD centers of Santiago. The presence of specific HTLV I/II antibodies was detected by indirect immunofluorescence. RESULTS: The analyzed samples came from participants aged 14 to 70 years. Forty nine percent were women and 76% were heterosexual. Only one of the 200 samples was positive (0.5%) and it came from a 70 year-old woman, housewife, with a stable single partner, a history of recurrent genital ulcers, VDRL (-) and positive serology for herpes simplex virus. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of HTLV-I found in this group is similar to that demonstrated in other populations in Chile, except for aboriginal populations, and similar to international STD studies. Our data is consistent with the low transmissibility by sexual contact.
Subject(s)
HTLV-I Infections/epidemiology , HTLV-II Infections/epidemiology , Human T-lymphotropic virus 1/isolation & purification , Human T-lymphotropic virus 2/isolation & purification , Sexually Transmitted Diseases/epidemiology , Adult , Aged , Chile/epidemiology , Female , HTLV-I Infections/transmission , HTLV-II Infections/transmission , Human T-lymphotropic virus 1/immunology , Human T-lymphotropic virus 2/immunology , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Prevalence , Seroepidemiologic Studies , Sexually Transmitted Diseases/virologyABSTRACT
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.
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Female , HTLV-I Infections/diagnosis , HTLV-I Infections/epidemiology , HTLV-I Infections/etiology , HTLV-I Infections/transmission , HTLV-II Infections/diagnosis , HTLV-II Infections/epidemiology , HTLV-II Infections/etiology , HTLV-II Infections/transmission , Human T-lymphotropic virus 1/pathogenicity , /pathogenicity , Leukemia-Lymphoma, Adult T-Cell , Paraparesis, Tropical Spastic , Risk Factors , Disease Transmission, Infectious/prevention & control , UveitisABSTRACT
In France, the screening for human T-cell leukemia/ lymphoma virus type 1 and 2 (HTLV-1 and HTLV-2) during the donation of human milk has been carried out from 1992 with the application of the circular DGS 24 November 1992. The screening for antibodies against these viruses is regulated and done systematically during every donation of milk. Breast feeding being the main mode of transmission of the HTLV-1, the last ministerial decree of 25 August 2010 has made the screening test compulsory for the anonymous donation and for the personalized donation (of a mother for her own child) from all women including those affected by the infection. The milk delivered by milk banks is pasteurized (62.5 °C for 30 minutes) before freezing at -18 °C, which inactivates the pathogens. This double means of prevention of the transmission of the HTLV-1 paradoxically seems disproportionate in the absence of any precautionary measure in the case of direct breast-feeding and the use of mother's raw milk. Indeed, in most neonatal intensive care units in maternity hospitals, unpasteurized milk is administered to the neonates without any systematic preliminary testing of the serological HTLV-1 status of the mother. An increased sensitization of the community of the obstetricians, midwives and neonatologists by the Association of the Milk Banks of France (ADLF) and the Société de pathologie exotique could address the issue of screening for HTLV-1 in "donated" milk and breast-feeding.
Subject(s)
HTLV-I Infections/prevention & control , HTLV-II Infections/prevention & control , Human T-lymphotropic virus 1/isolation & purification , Human T-lymphotropic virus 2/isolation & purification , Mass Screening/legislation & jurisprudence , Milk Banks , Milk, Human/virology , Tissue Donors , Adult , Breast Feeding , Cryopreservation , Disease Transmission, Infectious/prevention & control , Female , France , HTLV-I Infections/transmission , HTLV-II Infections/transmission , Health Policy , Hot Temperature , Humans , Infant, Newborn , Infectious Disease Transmission, Vertical/prevention & control , Milk Banks/legislation & jurisprudence , Milk Banks/standards , Mothers , Retrospective Studies , Virus InactivationABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the geographic distribution of human T-lymphotropic virus types 1 and 2 (HTLV-1/2) in the State of Minas Gerais, Brazil, in puerperal women whose newborns were tested for HTLV-1/2 during neonatal screening, and to overlap seropositivity with social and economic status determinants. METHODS: During September-November 2007, the dry-blood samples taken from newborns on filter paper for routine screening were also tested for maternal IgG anti-HTLV-1/2 antibodies. For reactive samples, the mothers of the newborns had blood drawn to test for these viruses. RESULTS: The study analyzed 55,293 specimens taken from newborns. Of these, 52 (9.4 per 10,000) were reactive and 42 mothers (7.6 per 10,000) were confirmed with HTLV-1/2 infection. HTLV-1/2 geographic distribution was heterogeneous, with a tendency to be higher in the North and North-East parts of Minas Gerais. The highest rates of seropositivity were observed in Vale do Mucuri (55.9 per 10,000) and in Jequitinhonha (16.0 per 10,000), overlapping with the State's worst social and economic indicators. CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge this was the first time that neonatal screening for HTLV-1/2 was performed in Brazil. This model could be used in other areas with high HTLV-1/2 prevalence rates. The detection of carrier mothers can enable intervention measures, such as providing infant formula to newborns, to be implemented expeditiously to reduce vertical transmission.
Subject(s)
HTLV-I Infections/epidemiology , HTLV-II Infections/epidemiology , Human T-lymphotropic virus 1/immunology , Human T-lymphotropic virus 2/immunology , Adult , Brazil/epidemiology , Carrier State/virology , Female , HTLV-I Antibodies/blood , HTLV-I Infections/transmission , HTLV-II Antibodies/blood , HTLV-II Infections/transmission , Humans , Infant, Newborn , Infectious Disease Transmission, Vertical , Neonatal Screening , Postpartum Period , Prevalence , Seroepidemiologic Studies , Socioeconomic FactorsABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the geographic distribution of human T-lymphotropic virus types 1 and 2 (HTLV-1/2) in the State of Minas Gerais, Brazil, in puerperal women whose newborns were tested for HTLV-1/2 during neonatal screening, and to overlap seropositivity with social and economic status determinants. METHODS: During September-November 2007, the dry-blood samples taken from newborns on filter paper for routine screening were also tested for maternal IgG anti-HTLV-1/2 antibodies. For reactive samples, the mothers of the newborns had blood drawn to test for these viruses. RESULTS: The study analyzed 55 293 specimens taken from newborns. Of these, 52 (9.4 per 10 000) were reactive and 42 mothers (7.6 per 10 000) were confirmed with HTLV-1/2 infection. HTLV-1/2 geographic distribution was heterogeneous, with a tendency to be higher in the North and North-East parts of Minas Gerais. The highest rates of seropositivity were observed in Vale do Mucuri (55.9 per 10 000) and in Jequitinhonha (16.0 per 10 000), overlapping with the State's worst social and economic indicators. CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge this was the first time that neonatal screening for HTLV-1/2 was performed in Brazil. This model could be used in other areas with high HTLV-1/2 prevalence rates. The detection of carrier mothers can enable intervention measures, such as providing infant formula to newborns, to be implemented expeditiously to reduce vertical transmission.
OBJETIVOS: Evaluar la distribución geográfica del virus linfotrópico de células T humanas tipos 1 y 2 (HTLV-1/2) en el estado de Minas Gerais (Brasil), en mujeres puérperas en cuyos recién nacidos se analizó la presencia del HTLV-1/2 durante las pruebas neonatales de detección sistemática, y superponer la seropositividad con determinantes del estado socioeconómico. MÉTODOS: Entre septiembre y noviembre de 2007, en las muestras de sangre seca extraída a los recién nacidos en papel de filtro para un tamizaje sistemático, se analizaron también los anticuerpos maternos de tipo IgG anti-HTLV-1/2. En el caso de las muestras reactivas, se extrajo la sangre de las madres de los recién nacidos para realizar pruebas de detección de estos virus. RESULTADOS: En el estudio se analizaron 55 293 muestras extraídas de los recién nacidos. De estas, 52 (9,4 por 10 000) fueron reactivas y en 42 madres (7,6 por 10 000) se confirmó la infección por el HTLV-1/2. La distribución geográfica del HTLV-1/2 fue heterogénea, con una tendencia a ser mayor en el norte y el noreste de Minas Gerais. Las tasas más elevadas de seropositividad se observaron en Vale do Mucuri (55,9 por 10 000) y en Jequitinhonha (16,0 por 10 000), superponiéndose con los peores indicadores socioeconómicos del estado. CONCLUSIONES: Esta fue la primera vez que se realizó un tamizaje neonatal para el HTLV-1/2 en Brasil. Este modelo podría usarse en otras regiones con tasas de prevalencia altas del HTLV-1/2. La detección de las madres portadoras puede permitir la aplicación rápida de medidas de intervención, como por ejemplo, el suministro de leche maternizada a los recién nacidos, a fin de reducir la transmisión vertical.