The relationship between atopy and neurological manifestations in HTLV-1 infection.

Raquel Crisóstomo Lima Verde,Silvane Maria Braga Santos,José Abraão Carneiro Neto,Marcus Miranda Lessa,Edgar Marcelino Carvalho

doi:10.1590/0037-8682-0162-2017

Abstract

Human T-cell lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1)induces exaggerated Th1 responses, whereas atopy is associated with exacerbated Th2 responses. Here, a cross-sectional study compared the prevalence of atopy in HTLV-1 carriers and HAM/TSP patients. It also compared the spontaneous cytokine production in HTLV-1-infected individuals. A retrospective cohort study evaluated the development of neurological manifestations in atopic and non-atopic carriers. Atopic HAM/TSP patients with high IFN-γ production exhibited higher IL-5 levels than non-atopic patients. Allergic rhinitis accelerated the development of Babinski signals and overactive bladders. Abnormal Th1 and Th2 responses coexist in HTLV-1-infected individuals and allergic diseases may worsen the clinical course of HTLV-1 infections.

Highlights

Human T-cell lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1)induces exaggerated T-helper 1 (Th1) responses, whereas atopy is associated with exacerbated T-helper 2 (Th2) responses
The development of HTLV-1-associated myelopathy/ tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP) occurred in 8 individuals, 5 (7.1%) in the atopic HTLV-1 carrier group and 3 (3.8%) in the non-atopic HTLV-1 carrier group (HR=2.24; 95% CI=0.53 to 9.45; p=0.27)
While no association was observed between allergic rhinitis and the development of HAM/TSP (HR=2.66; 95%CI=0.51 to 13.79; p=0.24), an association was observed between the presence of allergic rhinitis and the development of Babinski signals (HR=9.09; 95%CI=1.11 to 74.07; p=0.03) and overactive bladders (HR=2.33; 95%CI=1.25to4.32; p=0.007) in HTLV-1carriers.The Kaplan-Meier method with the log-rank test for the development of overactive bladders and Babinski signals in HTLV-1 carriers with and without allergic rhinitis are shown in Figure1A and Figure 1B. Babinski signal (1B), respectively

Summary

Short Communication

The relationship between atopy and neurological manifestations in HTLV-1 infection. Raquel Crisóstomo Lima Verde[1],[2], José Abraão Carneiro Neto[1], Silvane Maria Braga Santos[1],[3],[4], Edgar Marcelino Carvalho[1],[4]. Departamento de Imunologia, Hospital Universitário Professor Edgard Santos, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, BA, Brasil. Departamento de Otorrinolaringologia, Hospital Universitário Professor Edgard Santos, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, BA, Brasil. Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Estadual de Feira de Santana, Feira de Santana, BA, Brasil. Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia - Doenças Tropicais (INCT-DT), CNPq, Salvador, BA, Brasil

Ethical considerations

Prevalence of atopy Cytokine levels

Findings

Overactive bladder