Abstract
Human T-cell leukemia virus-1 (HTLV-1) is the first infectious agent proven to cause cancer, and it is considered among the most potent carcinogens for humans. HTLV-1 is estimated to have infected 5-10 million individuals, with only about 5% of people that contract the virus expected to develop any associated disease. Within Europe, Romania appears to be the only region endemic to HTLV-1. There are two primary diseases associated with HTLV-1, T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATL) and HTLV-1-associated myelopathy (HAM), or tropical spastic paraparesis (TSP). Each is linked to a distinct mode of transmission: ATL with breastfeeding, and HAM/TSP with blood transfusion. The main ways of viral transmission are from mother to child by breastfeeding, via blood transfusions, or through sexual intercourse. Vertical infection rate has been found to be 14.2%. In Romania, HTLV is included in the screening for blood donors, but not in prenatal screenings. Vertically transmitted infections can be reduced with up to 87% by avoiding breastfeeding. New research supports the effectiveness of prenatal screening followed by avoiding breastfeeding in reducing new cases of HTLV in endemic areas, and such measures must be taken in Romania as well.
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