Prevalence Of HTLV-1 Research Articles

First Report of Prevalence of HTLV-1 Among HIV-1/2–Infected Children in Mozambique

First Report of Prevalence of HTLV-1 Among HIV-1/2–Infected Children in Mozambique

Seroprevalence and geographical distribution of human T-lymphotropic virus type 1 among volunteer blood donors in endemic areas of Iran

BackgroundHuman T-cell lymphotrophic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) has a worldwide distribution and it is endemic in some regions of Iran. One of the most important routes of HTLV-1 transmission is via transfusion of contaminated blood components. The risk of transmission through asymptomatic blood donors, particularly in endemic areas should be considered and appropriately managed. The main objective of this study was to determine the seroprevalence and description the geographic distribution of HTLV-1 among voluntary blood donors in Iran.MethodsThis retrospective study carried out using the data obtained from the main database of the seven blood transfusion centers of Iranian Blood Transfusion Organization between 2009 and 2013. The presence of anti-HTLV-1/2 antibodies were primarily assessed using Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay. The Ab Kit assay, contain antigens for the screening of antibodies to HTLV type 1 and 2. So, it is expressed as HTLV 1/2 assay. Samples that were positive by the western blot confirmatory test were considered as definite positive HTLV-1 or HTLV-2 cases. The main socio-demographic variables were; age, gender, donation history and marital status. Descriptive and analytical statistics were used to summarize the gathered data. The chi-Square Statistical test was used to test the association between groups, P-value of less than 0.05 was considered significant.ResultsA total of 1864489 blood donations were evaluated. There were 1840 confirmed HTLV-1 positive donations (0.098%). None were positive for anti-HTLV-2. The overall HTLV-1 prevalence was 98.7 per 100,000 donations during the 5 year period. Seroprevalence was higher among females, married and older blood donors. The overall seropositivity among first time, regular and lapsed donors was, 0.29% (290/100000), 0.001% (1/100000) and 0.02% (20/100000) respectively. A significant difference was observed between regular and the first time (p <0.0001) and also between lapsed and regular blood donors (p <0.0001). Most of the HTLV-1 seropositive blood donors (175 per 100,000) were from northeastern regions. We observed a gradual decline in overall HTLV-1 prevalence during the course of the study, the prevalence rate decreased from 0.13% (130/100000) in 2009 to 0.07% (70/100000) in 2013.ConclusionsThe Seroprevalence of HTLV-1 among Iranian blood donors in the regions of our study still is considerable, but there is an obvious declining prevalence over the course of present study. Blood transfusion centers should continually evaluate the residual risk of infection in the country, especially in endemic areas.

Investigating the prevalence of HTLV and HCV infection in blood donors (for the first time) in blood transfusion organization of Kermanshah, Iran

Investigating the prevalence of HTLV and HCV infection in blood donors (for the first time) in blood transfusion organization of Kermanshah, Iran

Acute Respiratory Failure Caused by HTLV-Associated Adult T-Cell Lymphoma

SESSION TITLE: Student/Resident Case Report Poster - Lung Pathology I SESSION TYPE: Student/Resident Case Report Poster PRESENTED ON: Tuesday, October 25, 2016 at 01:30 PM - 02:30 PM INTRODUCTION: Pulmonary manifestations are frequently seen with HTLV associated Adult T-Cell Lymphoma (ATLL), in the form of pneumonia and opportunistic infection. These patients rarely present with acute respiratory failure requiring ventilator support related to lymphadenopathy from ATLL. CASE PRESENTATION: A 75 year old Jamaican male presented with 8 months of worsening dyspnea, productive cough and weight loss. He was transferred to our tertiary care facility in hypoxic respiratory failure requiring non-invasive ventilatory support. Eight months prior to admission, he was diagnosed with chronic sinusitis requiring surgical drainage. His chronic cough persisted which prompted CT imaging, which revealed left-sided hilar lymphadenopathy and bronchiectasis. Transbronchial needle aspiration revealed necrotizing lymphadenitis and culture from an alveolar lavage revealed numerous organisms including: pseudomonas, streptococcus viridans, aspergillus flavus, and Pencillium species. Despite 2 courses of antimicrobial therapy, his symptoms progressed, and he was transferred to our hospital for further diagnosis and treatment. He denied recent travel, alcohol, or illicit drug use or high risk sexual behaviors. A repeat CT of the chest is shown in figure 1. Bronchoscopic evaluation showed purulent material in all bronchial segments of the left lung and a large mass eroding through and obstructing the left lower lobe bronchi, revealing a bronchoesophageal fistula. Transbronchial needle biopsy of a sub-carinal lymph node revealed: large atypical lymphocytes, with flow cytometry consistent with peripheral T cell lymphoma. Serum samples confirmed HTLV-1 positive serology. DISCUSSION: The prevalence of HTLV in the United States has been reported at 0.1-0.2% and only a minority of these patients will develop ATLL. Direct pulmonary manifestations from ATLL extension are rare, and almost all known cases of respiratory failure occurs from opportunistic infectious etiologies rather than direct tumor involvement. Systemic findings of HTLV-1 ATLL include hypercalcemia, hepatosplenomegaly, jaundice, and metastatic bony involvement, which were not present in our case. His initial diagnosis of sinusitis, pneumonia and necrotizing lymphadenitis along with his weight loss and dyspnea undoubtedly was related to his ATLL. A high clinical suspicion and failure of past therapy warranted new tissue diagnosis for confirmation. Initiation of chemotherapy with Etoposide, Prednisone, Vincristine, Cyclophosphamide, and Doxorubicin and placement of an esophageal stent improved his respiratory status; however, he died from respiratory failure 4 weeks later. CONCLUSIONS: This case represents a rare presentation of pulmonary HTLV-1 ATLL and highlights the need for a high clinical suspicion in patients from endemic populations presenting with lymphadenopathy and constitutional symptoms. Reference #1: Cook LB and Taylor GB. HTLV-1 and HTLV-2 prevalence in the United States. J Infect Dis. 2014 Feb; 209(4):486-7. DISCLOSURE: The following authors have nothing to disclose: Jonathan Gong, Aleksandr Melamud, Seth Koenig No Product/Research Disclosure Information

Seroepidemiology of HTLV-1 and HTLV-2 Infection in Neyshabur City, North-Eastern Iran, during 2010-2014.

Background:Retroviruses of human T-lymphotropic viruses (HTLV-1 and HTLV-2) have been demonstrated to be endemic in the north-eastern region of Iran. This study was aimed to determine the HTLV-1 and HTLV-2 prevalence among healthy individuals in Neyshabur City during 2010-2014.Methods:A total of 8054 blood samples were collected from healthy participants in Neyshabur, North-Eastern Iran. The blood samples were screened for the presence of specific antibodies against HTLV-1 and HTLV-2 by using ELISA according to the manufacturer’s instructions.Results:The overall seropositivity rate for HTLV-1 and HTLV-2 was found to be 6.55% (528 out of 8054) among participants.Conclusion:Both HTLV-1 and HTLV-2 were demonstrated to be at a high rate in healthy individuals. However, a smaller number of asymptomatic carriers were found in this study, as compared to those identified in previous investigations in the city.

Human T-lymphotropic virus types 1 and 2 are rare among intravenous drug users in Eastern Europe

BackgroundIn Europe, human T-lymphotropic virus (HTLV) type 2 mainly occurs among intravenous drug users (IDUs) with prevalence up to 15% and HTLV-1 among general population with prevalence <1%. However, there is no data regarding the prevalence of HTLV-1 or HTLV-2 in Eastern European IDUs population where HIV prevalence is relatively high. We aimed to determine the prevalence and genotypes of HTLV-1/HTLV-2 among IDUs and healthy volunteers in Estonia. MethodsThe study included 345 IDUs and 138 healthy volunteers. The presence of HTLV-1/HTLV-2 was determined by nested PCR; positive and negative controls were used in every PCR run. ResultsThe analysed IDUs resembled the IDUs of HIV epidemic in Estonia: mainly male (79%) with median age of 30years (interquartile range [IQR] 25–34), and prolonged duration of intravenous drug usage (11years; IQR 7–14). The prevalence exposure to blood-borne viral infections was high — 50% were HIV positive, 88% hepatitis C positive, 67% hepatitis B positive. Of IDUs, 64% reported receptive needle sharing in the past and 18% at least once a month during last six months. None of the IDUs carried HTLV-1 but there was a case of HTLV-2 (prevalence 0.3%; 95% CI 0.1–1.6). All healthy volunteers were HTLV-1 and HTLV-2 PCR negative. ConclusionThis is the first study investigating the prevalence of HTLV-1/HTLV-2 among high risk population and healthy volunteers in Eastern European region. Our results suggest that despite other widely spread blood-borne infections (e.g. HIV, HBV, HCV) HTLV-1 and HTLV-2 are rare among IDUs in Estonia.

Evaluation of human T-lymphotropic virus prevalence/co-infection rates for a four-year period in a non-metropolitan blood center in Southeast Brazil.

Human T-lymphotropic virus types 1/2 (HTLV-1/2) are distributed worldwide and are endemic in specific regions. Serological evaluation of the HTLV-1/2 prevalence and co-infection rate [human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), Chagas disease, and syphilis)] for 2011-2014 was performed with volunteer blood donors from the western part of São Paulo State. Serrana and Araçatuba had higher HTLV seroprevalence rates (0.1%); while Franca, Olimpia, and Bebedouro had lower seroprevalences (0.04%). Co-infection (HBV and syphilis) was present in 12.3% of HTLV-infected blood donors. Our findings provide data for the prevalence of HTLV in Brazil and demonstrate the importance of regional and global hemovigilance.

Seroprevalence of HTLV-1 and HTLV-2 amongst mothers and children in Malawi within the context of a systematic review and meta-analysis of HTLV seroprevalence in Africa.

ObjectivesHuman T‐lymphotropic virus (HTLV)‐1 causes T‐cell leukaemia and myelopathy. Together with HTLV‐2, it is endemic in some African nations. Seroprevalence data from Malawi are scarce, with no reports on associated disease incidence. HTLV seroprevalence and type were tested in 418 healthy mothers from Malawi. In addition, we tested the sera of 534 children to investigate mother‐to‐child transmission. To provide context, we conducted a systematic review and meta‐analysis of HTLV seroprevalence in African women and children.MethodsStored samples from a previous childhood cancer and BBV study were analysed. ELISA was used for HTLV screening followed by immunoblot for confirmation and typing. Standard methods were used for the systematic review.Results HTLV seroprevalence was 2.6% (11/418) in mothers and 2.2% (12/534) in children. Three mothers carried HTLV‐1 alone, seven had HTLV‐2 and one was dually infected. Three children carried HTLV‐1 alone, seven had HTLV‐2 and two were dually infected. Only two corresponding mothers of the 12 HTLV‐positive children were HTLV positive. The systematic review included 66 studies of women and 13 of children conducted in 25 African countries. Seroprevalence of HTLV‐1 varied from 0 to 17% and of HTLV‐2 from 0 to 4%.ConclusionsIn contrast to findings from other studies in Africa, the seroprevalence of HTLV‐2 was higher than that of HTLV‐1 in Malawi and one of the highest for the African region. The lack of mother–child concordance suggests alternative sources of infection among children. Our data and analyses contribute to HTLV prevalence mapping in Africa.

Serosurvey of human T cell lymphotropic virus I/II among blood donors in Gombe (Nigeria)

Aim: This study was carried out to determine the prevalence of human T cell lymphotropic virus I/II (HTLV I/II) among blood donors at the Federal Teaching Hospital Gombe (FTHG), North-eastern, Nigeria. Methods: A total of 355 blood donors were recruited at the hematology department of FTHG for a hospital based cross-sectional study and were screened/confirmed for HTLV I/II by ELISA and western blot methods. Results: Seroprevalence of HTLV I/II among the 355 participants with mean age of 30.77 years (±8.27) was 6.5% on screening with ELISA but confirmed to be 0% by western blot. Majority were males, 352 (99.2%) and mostly (45.9%) between 21–30 years of age. Donors for family replacements predominated (85.1%) with more than half (58.6%) being first time blood donors. Conclusion: This study reveals the absence of HTLV I/II among blood donors in Gombe North-eastern Nigeria. It also highlights the possibility of false positivity in some of the reported prevalence of HTLV I and II from some parts of Nigeria that were based on screening tests only. The importance of confirmatory testing in all research works on HTLV (including HTLV 3 and HTLV 4) is further strengthened with this study. There is however the need for a larger study and the use of molecular diagnostics to reconfirm this assertion.

Impact of Human T-Lymphotropic Virus (HTLV I/II) Diagnosis on the Frequency of Mood Disorders in a Non-Endemic Area

Chronic diseases cause different impact to different people. We performed this study to evaluate the impact of human T-lymphotropic virus (HTLV I/II) diagnosis on the frequency of mood disorders. Of six HTLV I/II infected patients, including one asymptomatic, four reported depression at the moment of HTLV diagnosis. The findings reveal that it is crucial to inform patients of the HTLV diagnosis only after conducting confirmatory tests, as indicated by majority of diagnosis protocols. Usually countries with limited resources and a high prevalence of HTLV I/II infections do not perform confirmatory tests, including Brazil. Psychiatric manifestations and major depression in patients with HTLV I/II need further study. Although a small series, the findings reveal that it is crucial to inform patients of the diagnosis only after conducting confirmatory tests as indicated by majority of diagnosis protocols. Usually countries with limited resources and a high prevalence of HTLV I/II infections do not perform confirmatory tests. The authors reinforce the importance of the handling of the emotional response of the patience to the diagnosis.

Human T-Lymphotropic Virus Type 1 and 2 Seroprevalence among first-time blood donors in Chile, 2011-2013.

Infection with human T-lymphotropic virus type 1/2 (HTLV-1/2) is a major health problem. HTLV-1/2 infection is endemic in Chile but representative donor prevalence data are lacking. Data on all blood donors in a large network of Chilean blood centers were examined during 2011-2013. Screening of HTLV-1/2 antibodies were measured by enzyme immunoassay (EIA) at all blood banks. Blood samples with anticoagulants from initially reactive blood donors were analyzed by serological confirmation tests (immunofluorescence or recombinant immunoblot) at the HTLV National Reference Laboratory of the Public Health Institute of Chile. Additionally, detection of HTLV-1 and HTLV-2 provirus in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) was performed in all blood donors as confirmatory test. Prevalence rates were calculated. Among 694,016 donors, 706 were seropositive for HTLV-1 (prevalence, 1.02 cases per 1,000; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.94-1.09), and 97 were seropositive for HTLV-2 (prevalence, 0.14 cases per 1,000; 95%CI, 0.11-0.17). Prevalence of HTLV-1 differed considerably by region, from 0.51 to 1.69 per 1,000. Prevalence of HTLV-2 was similar across the country (0.12-0.16). HTLV-1 prevalence was associated with female sex, older age, and residence in the north of Chile. HTVL-2 prevalence was associated with older age. The HTLV-1 prevalence among Chilean blood donors was relatively high and could be reduced by improving donor recruitment and selection in high prevalence areas. Blood center data may contribute to surveillance for HTLV-1 and HTLV-2 infections.

Prevalence of HTLV-1 infection in northeast of Iran

Northeast of Iran is a new endemic. Area for HTLV-1 and for the first time. Farid and his Immunology Dep at Mashhad University published paper and then Farid and safae in Aids research and human Retro virology volt 12 November 12 1996. Published prevalence of HTLV-1 in Iran several. Publication describes the prevalence of HTLV-1 in Jewish individuals born in city of Mashhad Iran. Then we reported serological and generic studies in the non Jewish population of Mashhad as well as Neishabour. Seropositive rate of HTLV-1 in Mashhad is 3.0% (21of 694). DNA sequence were amplified by PCR directly from the fresh PRMCs of seropositive individuals from Mashhad. Phylogenetic analysis of the viral DNA sequence indicated that HTLV-1 in Mashhad belong to the cosmopolite clade. ATL and HAM/TSP is common in the northeast of Iran.

HTLV-1/2 is rare among Eastern-European intravenous drug users (IDUs)

Background HTLV-1/2 and HIV likely share the same transmission routes and thus in Europe HTLV occurs mainly among IDUs, interests in clinical implications of HTLV-1/2 coinfection on HIV disease progression have risen. So far the available evidence suggests a protective role of HTLV-2 and adverse effect of HTLV-1 on HIV infection. In Europe, the overall prevalence of HTLV infection is up to 18% among IDUs and less than 1% among blood donors. However, there is no data regarding the overall prevalence of HTLV-1/2 in Eastern-European IDU population where the HIV epidemic mainly lies. We aimed to determine the prevalence of HTLV among IDUs in Estonia and compare it with the rate in healthy volunteers.

Comparison of clinical, immunological and virological markers in patients with HTLV-1 / HIV-1 co-infection with those with mono-infection

This is a study of the HTLV-1/HIV-1 co-infected cohort attending the National Centre for Human Retrovirology in London. In a retrospective analysis, demographic, clinical, immunological and virological data was described. A subgroup of patients on combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) for more than twelve months with an undetectable HIV viral load was identified and compared to a matched HTLV-1 mono-infected group. In an ongoing prospective study, HIV-1 mono-infected patients are recruited and virological and immunological parameters compared to the HTLV/HIV co-infected and HTLV mono-infected groups. 29 co-infected patients had a median age of 47 years, 55% were male and over 80% identified with the Black – African/Caribbean ethnic group. The median time on cART was 6 months. CD4/CD4% cell counts were lower in stable co-infected patients (508 cells/mm3, p=0.2 / 27.9%, p<0.1) than HTLV mono-infected patients (941 cells/mm3/46.2%). There was a significant trend towards increased markers of T cell activation (TCA) in co-infected patients (Table 1), when compared to TCA markers in either mono-infected group. There were no statistically significant differences in pro-inflammatory cytokines between co-infected and mono-infected patients. However, there was a trend towards higher median interleukin-2 and gamma interferon concentrations in the co-infected group. Response to cART was not blunted in co-infection, and there was normalisation of CD4 counts over 12 months. In one patient absolute HTLV pVL (pro-viral load) increased 12 months after treatment with cART. The results demonstrate that there are differences between HTLV/HIV co-infected and mono-infected patients; notably increased immune activation, despite successful treatment with cART. It is hypothesised that co-infection creates an environmental milieu, reflected by increased immune TCA, that is associated with a higher prevalence of HTLV associated myelopathy that is observed in this group.

Incidence of tropical spastic parapesis/ HTLV-1 associated myelopathy/ (TSP/HAM) in patients followed in a Reference center in Salvador, Brasil

It is estimated that currently 5 to 10 million people are infected with HTLV-1 worldwide. In Brazil, Salvador is the city with the highest prevalence of HTLV-1 (2% in women and 1.2% in men). Tropical spastic paraparesis/ HTLV associated myelopathy (TSP/HAM) is an insidious and disabling chronic neurological disease. The incidence of TSP/HAM varies in different geographical regions with low rate in Japan and Caribbean islands and higher in Minas Gerais, Brazil. The incidence of TSP/HAM among patients attending the CHTLV in Salvador/BA, from 22 to 2013 was estimated. The outcome of interest was the evolution from asymptomatic status for TSP/HAM diagnosis, which was based on the Belem criteria. The follow-up for individuals that remained asymptomatic was the time between the year of the last medical consultation and the year of the HTLV-1 serological diagnosis and for those that developed TSP/HAM the time between the year of diagnosis of TSP/HAM and the year of HTLV-1 serological diagnosis. The exclusion criteria were a diagnosis of TSP/HAM at the first medical consultation, records with incomplete data and TSP/HAM possible diagnosis. From a sample of 243 patients, 91 were included. Two patients developed TSP/HAM definite and four had TSP/HAM probable diagnosis. The incidence density of TSP/HAM definite was 6.9 and 13 per 1,0 HTLV-1 infected individuals per year, respectively. The cumulative incidence to TSP/HAM definite was 2.29% while to TSP/HAM probable was 4.39%. The incidence rate found herein was higher than that observed in previous studies in Japan and Caribbean, however, similar to that reported in Brazil. More accurate cohort studies should be conducted to measure the actual risk of developing this disease.

Cost-effectiveness analysis of introducing HTLV-1 testing in South Africa

We have previously reported a 2013 cross-sectional study of HTLV prevalence among 46,765 South African blood donors. Confirmed HTLV-1 prevalence was 0.16% in Black donors, 0.02% in both White and Coloured donors and 0% in south Asian donors, for an overall prevalence of 0.062% extrapolated to the current blood donor population. Using these data we estimated the cost effectiveness of potential HTLV screening strategies in preventing transfusion transmitted HTLV-1 infection (TTI). Five blood donor screening strategies were considered: no screening; HTLV testing of every donation; HTLV testing each donor one time only; HTLV testing of new donors only; and universal filter leukodepletion without HTLV testing. The size of the population to be screened annually was 831,565 for universal screening, 507,054 for screening all donors once and 133,050 for screening new donors only. Using a prevalence of 0.062% and an assumed transmission efficiency of 10% because of buffy coat removal during red cell production, we calculated intervention and donor management costs and estimated the number of TTI prevented. There would be an estimated 58, 1, 1, 50 and 0.5 potential TTI cases under no screening, universal screening, screening all donors once, screening new donors only, and universal leukodepletion, respectively. The estimated costs per TTI prevented were $0, $31,574, $26,260, $60,391 and $5,151,680, respectively for the same strategies (at 11. SA Rand per 1 US dollar). Assuming the most cost-effective strategy of screening each donor once, it would cost the blood service approximately US$26,260 per TTI prevented in the first year, increasing to US$60,391 per TTI prevented in subsequent years as positives were culled from the donor population. Based upon these data, SANBS is carefully considering the costs and benefits of introducing HTLV screening in South Africa. This approach may be useful to other HTLV-endemic countries which do not currently test for HTLV.

Characteristics of HAM/TSP after kidney transplantation from HTLV-1 positive living donors

It has been sporadically reported that HTLV-1 associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP) develops after living-donor kidney transplantation from HTLV-1 positive donors (D+) to negative recipients (R-). However, these details have been unknown. Thus we evaluated the incidence and clinical characteristics of HAM/TSP after living-donor kidney transplantation from D+ to R-(D+R-transplantation). Using data obtained from the Japanese Renal Transplant Registry, we analyzed 13,299 cases of living-donor kidney transplantation between 2000 and 2013 in Japan. In addition, we have collected information about 5 patients who developed HAM/TSP after D+R-transplantation. The incidence of HAM/TSP after D+R-transplantation was calculated as the ratio of “the number of recipients who developed HAM/TSP” to “the number of cases of D+R-transplantation”. The characteristics of HAM/TSP in D+R-transplant recipients such as time from transplantation to disease onset and rate of disease progression are investigated. About 70% of all 13,299 donors took a HTLV-1 antibody test and 64 cases were positive for HTLV-1 antibody. Although the remaining 4,072 donors didn't take the antibody test, we estimated the number of HTLV-1 positive donors as 36 according to the HTLV-1 prevalence in Japan. As a result, the estimated incidence of HAM/TSP after D+R-transplantation was 5%. All the 5 cases of HAM/TSP after D+R-transplantation showed an early onset after transplantation. Four out of five cases developed rapidly and had difficulty walking in one or two years. This study demonstrated that incidence rate (5%) of HAM/TSP in recipients after D+R-transplantation is extremely higher compared to the lifetime risk (0.25%) of HAM/TSP in an HTLV-1-infected person. Further, this study suggested that HAM/TSP after D+R-transplantation is characterized by rapid onset and progression. Therefore, we need to conduct nationwide survey to assess the risk of D+R-transplantation.

HIV, HBS, HCV, HTLV and syphilis prevalence among high school learners and university student in Libreville, Gabon

This is a short report on blood-borne infections among high school learners and university students aged 15–24 years old, recruited during outdoor blood donation campaign in 2013/2014 in Libreville. Participants were tested for HIV, HBS, HCV, HTLV and Syphilis.The prevalence of HIV, HBS, HCV, HTLV and Syphilis in the studied population was, respectively, 0.49%, 3.92%, 2.94%, 8.33% and 0.73%. University students and high school learners had comparable rates of sexually transmitted infections infection (14.86% and 14.67%, respectively).It is important to introduce chapters on sexual behavior, contraception and sexually transmitted diseases at schools to increase pupils’ awareness. Also parents need to be educated to ease this process.

High prevalence of HTLV-1 infection among Japanese immigrants in non-endemic area of Brazil.

BackgroundHuman T-lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) has worldwide distribution and is considered endemic in many world regions, including southwestern Japan and Brazil. Japanese immigrants and their descendants have a high risk of acquiring this infection due to intense population exchange between Brazil and Japan.ObjectiveThis cross-sectional study aimed to estimate the prevalence of HTLV, analyze the main risk factors associated with this infection, identify the main circulating types and subtypes of HTLV in Japanese immigrants and descendants living in Campo Grande-MS (Middle-West Brazil), as well as analyze the phylogenetic relationship among isolates of HTLV.Study DesignA total of 219 individuals were interviewed and submitted to blood collection. All collected blood samples were submitted for detection of anti-HTLV-1/2 using the immunoassay ELISA and confirmed by immunoblot method. The proviral DNA of the 14 samples HTLV- 1 positive were genotyped by nucleotide sequencing.ResultsThe overall prevalence of HTLV-1 was 6.8% (IC 95%: 3,5-10,2). Descriptive analysis of behavioral risk factors showed statistical association between HTLV-1 and age greater than or equal to 45 years. The proviral DNA of HTLV-1 was detected in all HTLV-1 positive samples. Of these, 14 were sequenced and classified as Cosmopolitan subtype, and 50% (7/14) belonged to subgroup A (transcontinental) and 50% (7/14) to the subgroup B (Japanese).ConclusionThe high prevalence of HTLV-1 found evidence of the importance of early diagnosis and counseling of individuals infected with HTLV-1 for the control and prevention of the spread of this infection among Japanese immigrants and their descendants in Central Brazil.

Seroprevalence study of HTLV-1 and 2 in prospective blood donors and pregnant women in Port Harcourt, Nigeria.

ABSTRACT Background: Infection with Human T-cell Lymphotropic virus type 1 and 2 (HTLV-1/2) is a global epidemic. Nigeria is in the endemic region of HTLV -1/ 2 infections. The diseases caused by these viruses are incurable and life-threatening. There is no data yet on the seroprevalence of these viruses in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. We determined the seroprevalence of HTLV-1/2 by identifying antibodies to the virus in Nigerians resident in Port Harcourt. Methods and Materials: This was a cross-sectional study we carried out on a total of 360 participants (139 potential blood donors and 221 pregnant women) at the Braithwaite Memorial Specialist Hospital (BMSH) and University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH). The participants were also given self –administered questionnaires. We screened for antibodies to HTLV-1 and 2 in the sera of the participants using Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent assay (ELISA). We also screened for antibodies to Human Immunodeficiency Virus types 1 and 2 (HIV-1/2) using qualitative immunoassay determine test strips. Results: Two (1.4%) of blood donors were positive for HTLV, both were males and 1 (0.8) was in the 25-34years age group while the other was in the 35-44years age group. There was an association between Sexually transmitted Diseases (STD) and previous blood transfusion with HTLV positivity. No pregnant women tested positive to HTLV. There were no cases of co-infection of HIV with HTLV. Conclusion: The results suggest low prevalence of HTLV in blood donors and pregnant women in Port Harcourt.