Human T-Lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) studies, australia and world-wide

Abstract

HTLV-1 is a human retrovirus which is linked to adult T-cell leukaemia-lymphoma and the degenerative disorder tropical spastic paraparisis or HTLV-1 associated myelopathy. In Southern Japan and the Caribbean the virus is endemic and associated with these diseases. The virus has also been detected in Africa, South Western Pacific and Australia but usually without occurrence of the known associated diseases. Here in Australia antibody to HTLV-1 has been detected in some Australian Aboriginal groups but not all. Detection in other Australians is a rarity. Current epidemiological studies continue world-wide with more recent studies centering on clearly distinguishing between HTLV-1 and HTLV-II infections. The later being a very closely related virus but not causing any definable disease. HTLV-1 can be transmitted in blood and can be sexually transmitted, albeit with some difficulty, and through breast milk. Blood is now screened in the major endemic areas and the USA, thus eliminating this source of the virus spread. Without antiviral drugs or vaccines, the other effective control programme initiated in Southern Japan to control this virus, is the halting of breast-feeding of infants from virus-infected women.