HTLV-I associated bronchioloalveolar disorder (HABA): disease concept and differential diagnosis of an unsolved disease entity

Recent Advance in Single-Molecule Fluorescent Biosensors for Tumor Biomarker Detection

The construction of biosensors for specific, sensitive, and rapid detection of tumor biomarkers significantly contributes to biomedical research and early cancer diagnosis. However, conventional assays often involve large sample consumption and poor sensitivity, limiting their further application in real samples. In recent years, single-molecule biosensing has emerged as a robust tool for detecting and characterizing biomarkers due to its unique advantages including simplicity, low sample consumption, ultra-high sensitivity, and rapid assay time. This review summarizes the recent advances in the construction of single-molecule biosensors for the measurement of various tumor biomarkers, including DNAs, DNA modifications, RNAs, and enzymes. We give a comprehensive review about the working principles and practical applications of these single-molecule biosensors. Additionally, we discuss the challenges and limitations of current single-molecule biosensors, and highlight the future directions.

Sexual transmission of HTLV-1 resulting in uveitis with short-term latency and low proviral load

Human T-cell Lymphotropic Virus Type 1 (HTLV-1) is traditionally linked to severe conditions such as adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma, HTLV-1-associated myelopathy, and HTLV-1 uveitis, with vertical transmission, particularly mother to child thorough breastfeeding, considered the primary route. Despite efforts to reduce vertical transmission through antenatal screening in Japan, horizontal transmission has contributed to the rising prevalence of HTLV-1 in metropolitan areas. This case reports the youngest documented instance of HTLV-1 uveitis resulting from horizontal transmission through sexual contact in an 18-year-old woman. The patient presented with blurred vision in her right eye, and a comprehensive ophthalmologic examination identified vitreous opacity and retinal vasculitis. Serological tests confirmed HTLV-1 infection, with a proviral load of 2.66 copies per 100 peripheral blood mononuclear cells, measured by real-time PCR. A differential diagnosis confirmed HTLV-1 uveitis. Further family and partner investigations confirmed horizontal transmission, most likely through sexual contact. Over 6 years of follow-up, the patient experienced multiple recurrences of HTLV-1 uveitis and developed HTLV-1-associated keratopathy. This case highlights the potential for rapid disease progression with relatively low proviral loads and short latency, emphasizing the need for updated public health strategies for sexually active young populations.

Non-cancerous complications in HTLV-1 carriers

INTRODUCTION

Human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1) carriers may develop adult T-cell leukemia (ATL), or HTLV-1-associated myelopathy (HAM)/tropical spastic paraparesis (TSP). The evidence is limited regarding other diseases potentially associated with HTLV-1, such as HTLV-1-associated autoimmune diseases.

AREA COVERED

We summarized the available information on complications associated with HTLV-1 infection.

EXPERT OPINION

Previous studies showed that HTLV-1 carriers have an increased incidence of collagen diseases including Sjögren's syndrome, as well as dysthyroidism, diabetes mellitus, and atherosclerosis. Furthermore, cognitive deficits are observed in asymptomatic carriers and in symptomatic carriers who develop HAM/TSP. It is hypothesized that altered immunoregulation occurs as a result of persistent HTLV-1 infection. A systematic review and meta-analysis demonstrated that HTLV-1 infection itself has an adverse impact on overall survival. ATL alone cannot entirely explain the adverse impact of HTLV-1 infection on overall mortality, because the incidence is low, and therefore HTLV-1-associated diseases as a whole may contribute to the inferior clinical outcome. However, there are insufficient data to determine the causal relationship between HTLV-1 infection and each complication. While non-cancerous events linked to HTLV-1 infection are not fatal, they are likely to reduce quality of life. Large prospective studies should be conducted by international collaborators.