(HTLV; HTLV-I; HTLV-II)
Definition
Definition
Human T cell lymphotropic virus (HTLV) infects a type of white blood cell called a T-cell or T-lymphocyte. White blood cells help fight infection.
Causes
Causes
HTLV infection is caused by a specific virus.
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Risk Factors
Risk Factors
There are two types of HTLV: HTLV-I and HTLV-II.
Factors that increase your chances of getting HTLV-I include:
- Living in an area where the virus is common, such as Southern Japan, Caribbean countries, parts of Africa and South America, the Middle East, and Melanesia
- Being breastfed by an infected mother
- Receiving a blood transfusion or transplant in the United States before 1988
- Having unprotected sex with someone who is infected with the virus, who is an injection drug user, or who is from an area where the virus is common
- Injection drug use
People of American Indian or African Pygmy descent are at greater risk for HTLV-II.
Factors that increase your chances of getting HTLV-II include:
- Being breastfed by an infected mother
- Receiving a blood transfusion in the United States before 1988
- Having unprotected sex with someone who is infected with the virus or who is an injection drug user
- Injection drug use
Symptoms
Symptoms
More than 95% of people with HTLV do not have symptoms. However, having the virus puts you at higher risk of developing certain conditions.
- If you are infected with the HTLV-I virus, it is possible that you may also develop
- Adult T-cell leukemia (ATL). This disease involves cancer of a specific group of blood cells.
- Opportunistic infections, including Strongyloides stercoralis hyperinfection
- Inflammation of the eyes, joints, muscles, lungs, or skin (rare)
If you are infected with HTLV-I or HTLV-II, you may also develop a disorder of the nervous system known as HTLV associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP). It can cause weakness, numbness and stiffness in the legs, and difficulty walking.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis
You will be asked about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done.
HTLV infection can only be diagnosed with a specific blood test. The presence of HTLV antibodies is a sign of infection with the virus.
Treatment
Treatment
There is no treatment that can remove the virus from the body. Treatment is aimed at managing HTLV-associated diseases and reducing their symptoms.
To prevent spreading HTLV to others:
- Do not donate plasma, bone marrow, organs, semen, or breast milk.
- Do not breastfeed your baby.
- Avoid unprotected sex.
- Avoid sharing needles or syringes.
Prevention
Prevention
To help reduce your chance of getting the virus:
- Avoid unprotected sex. If your partner has the virus, discuss ways to prevent the spread of the virus with your doctor.
- Avoid sharing needles or syringes.
RESOURCES:
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases http://www.niaid.nih.gov
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
References:
http://hospitals.unitedbloodservices.org/forms/BS_352.pdf
Accessed January 16, 2015.
Human T-Lymphotropic Virus (HTLV). New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services website. Available at:
http://www.oasas.ny.gov/AdMed/FYI/HTLV-FYI.cfm
Accessed January 16, 2015.
Tropical spastic paraparesis. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at:
http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed
Updated July 9, 2010. Accessed January 16, 2015.
What is HTLV-II? The National Centre for Human Retrovirology website. Available at:
http://www.htlv1.eu/htlv_two.html
Accessed January 16, 2015.
Last Updated: 1/13/2014