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Eusebio-Ponce E, Candel FJ, Paulino-Ramirez R, Serrano-García I, Anguita E. Seroprevalence and Trends of HTLV-1/2 among Blood Donors of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, 2012-2017. REVISTA ESPANOLA DE QUIMIOTERAPIA : PUBLICACION OFICIAL DE LA SOCIEDAD ESPANOLA DE QUIMIOTERAPIA 2021; 34:44-50. [PMID: 33305921 PMCID: PMC7876899 DOI: 10.37201/req/117.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2020] [Revised: 10/28/2020] [Accepted: 11/13/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Being a Caribbean country, the Dominican Republic is considered endemic for HTLV-1. Viral screening in blood banks is recommended for this blood borne infection. The purpose of this work is to analyze the seroprevalence and trends of HTLV-1/2 in the Dominican Republic blood donors; it is focused on Santo Domingo, the capital of the country, which has the largest blood donation activity. We also aim at comparing our findings with published data from neighboring countries. METHODS We performed a retrospective cross-sectional study of 10 blood centers of Santo Domingo, which reported HTLV and the other blood-transmitted infections in full. They represent more than 40% of the province's blood donations. Annual seroprevalence of HTLV-1/2, period prevalence (2012-2017), and time trend were determined. RESULTS A total of 352,960 blood donations were evaluated. The HTLV-1/2 period prevalence was 0.26% (929/352,960)(95% CI: 0.24-0.28%). We also found a marked predominance of replacement donation (90.4%) in comparison to voluntary contributions (9.6%). Therefore, this blood donor study may provide clues on the general prevalence of the infection. CONCLUSIONS Seroprevalence of HTLV-1/2 in blood donors of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, showed a relatively low and steady trend in the studied period.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - E Anguita
- Eduardo Anguita, Hematology Department, Hospital Clínico San Carlos, IML, IdISSC. Medicine, UCM. Profesor Martín Lagos s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain.
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Chabay P, Lens D, Hassan R, Rodríguez Pinilla SM, Valvert Gamboa F, Rivera I, Huamán Garaicoa F, Ranuncolo SM, Barrionuevo C, Morales Sánchez A, Scholl V, De Matteo E, Preciado MV, Fuentes-Pananá EM. Lymphotropic Viruses EBV, KSHV and HTLV in Latin America: Epidemiology and Associated Malignancies. A Literature-Based Study by the RIAL-CYTED. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:E2166. [PMID: 32759793 PMCID: PMC7464376 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12082166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2020] [Revised: 07/11/2020] [Accepted: 07/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), Kaposi sarcoma herpesvirus (KSHV) and human T-lymphotropic virus (HTLV-1) are lymphomagenic viruses with region-specific induced morbidity. The RIAL-CYTED aims to increase the knowledge of lymphoma in Latin America (LA), and, as such, we systematically analyzed the literature to better understand our risk for virus-induced lymphoma. We observed that high endemicity regions for certain lymphomas, e.g., Mexico and Peru, have a high incidence of EBV-positive lymphomas of T/NK cell origin. Peru also carries the highest frequency of EBV-positive classical Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) and EBV-positive diffuse large B cell lymphoma, not otherwise specified (NOS), than any other LA country. Adult T cell lymphoma is endemic to the North of Brazil and Chile. While only few cases of KSHV-positive lymphomas were found, in spite of the close correlation of Kaposi sarcoma and the prevalence of pathogenic types of KSHV. Both EBV-associated HL and Burkitt lymphoma mainly affect young children, unlike in developed countries, in which adolescents and young adults are the most affected, correlating with an early EBV seroconversion for LA population despite of lack of infectious mononucleosis symptoms. High endemicity of KSHV and HTLV infection was observed among Amerindian populations, with differences between Amazonian and Andean populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Chabay
- Multidisciplinary Institute for Investigation in Pediatric Pathologies (IMIPP), CONICET-GCBA, Molecular Biology Laboratory, Pathology Division, Ricardo Gutiérrez Children’s Hospital, C1425EFD Buenos Aires, Argentina; (P.C.); (E.D.M.); (M.V.P.)
| | - Daniela Lens
- Flow Cytometry and Molecular Biology Laboratory, Departamento Básico de Medicina, Hospital de Clínicas/Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la República, CP 11600 Montevideo, Uruguay;
| | - Rocio Hassan
- Oncovirology Laboratory, Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, National Cancer Institute “José Alencar Gomes da Silva” (INCA), Ministry of Health, 20230-130 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil;
| | | | - Fabiola Valvert Gamboa
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Institute and National League against Cancer, 01011 Guatemala City, Guatemala;
| | - Iris Rivera
- Department of Hematology, Salvadoran Institute of Social Security, Medical Surgical and Oncological Hospital (ISSS), 1101 San Salvador, El Salvador;
| | - Fuad Huamán Garaicoa
- Department of Pathology, National Cancer Institute—Society to Fight Cancer (ION-SOLCA), Santiago de Guayaquil Catholic University, Guayaquil 090615, Ecuador;
| | - Stella Maris Ranuncolo
- Cell Biology Department, Institute of Oncology “Angel H. Roffo” School of Medicine, University of Buenos Aires, C1417DTB Buenos Aires, Argentina;
| | - Carlos Barrionuevo
- Department of Pathology, National Institute of Neoplastic Diseases, National University of San Marcos, 15038 Lima, Peru;
| | - Abigail Morales Sánchez
- Research Unit in Virology and Cancer, Children’s Hospital of Mexico Federico Gómez, 06720 Mexico City, Mexico;
| | - Vanesa Scholl
- Department of Integrated Genomic Medicine, Conciencia-Oncohematologic Institute of Patagonia, 8300 Neuquén, Argentina;
| | - Elena De Matteo
- Multidisciplinary Institute for Investigation in Pediatric Pathologies (IMIPP), CONICET-GCBA, Molecular Biology Laboratory, Pathology Division, Ricardo Gutiérrez Children’s Hospital, C1425EFD Buenos Aires, Argentina; (P.C.); (E.D.M.); (M.V.P.)
| | - Ma. Victoria Preciado
- Multidisciplinary Institute for Investigation in Pediatric Pathologies (IMIPP), CONICET-GCBA, Molecular Biology Laboratory, Pathology Division, Ricardo Gutiérrez Children’s Hospital, C1425EFD Buenos Aires, Argentina; (P.C.); (E.D.M.); (M.V.P.)
| | - Ezequiel M. Fuentes-Pananá
- Research Unit in Virology and Cancer, Children’s Hospital of Mexico Federico Gómez, 06720 Mexico City, Mexico;
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Paulino-Ramirez R, Tapia L, Ruiz-Matuk C, Charow R, Budhwani H, Routy JP. Human T-cell lymphotropic virus 1/2 and human immunodeficiency virus antibodies identification among transactional sex workers and drug users in the Dominican Republic. Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg 2020; 113:293-297. [PMID: 30892643 DOI: 10.1093/trstmh/trz012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2018] [Revised: 02/09/2019] [Accepted: 02/15/2019] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) increases the risk of acquiring human T-cell lymphotropic virus (HTLV) and subsequently HTLV's progression to tropical spastic paraparesis/HTLV-1-associated myelopathy (TSP/HAM). Existing data have exclusively reported generalized rates of HIV and HTLV-1 chronic viral infections in the Dominican Republic. To our knowledge, no published studies have focused on the rates of HTLV-1/2 in transactional sex workers and drug users, both higher risk groups, in the Dominican Republic. METHODS From December 2012 to April 2013 we conducted a study to estimate the seroprevalence of HTLV-1/2 immunoglobulin G (IgG) and HIV antibodies among transactional sex workers and intravenous drug users in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. Serological status was analysed with behaviour and demographic data. RESULTS We collected and analysed plasma from 200 participants with a mean age of 27.4 y in men and 25.2 y in women. The overall weighted seroprevalence of HTLV-1/2 IgG antibodies was 13.91% (95% CI 7.59 to 20.23) in men and 10.59% (95% CI 4.05 to 17.13) in women. The overall weighted seroprevalence of HIV-1 was 13.91% (95% CI 7.59 to 20.23%) in men and 17.65% (95% CI 9.55 to 25.75) in women. Male intravenous drug users had an exceptionally high rate of HTLV-positive HIV co-infection, at 75% (95% CI 44.99 to 105.01). Although there an association has been found between HTLV/HIV co-infections and sex work, the adjusted odds revealed a confounding role of HIV infection. CONCLUSIONS The results highlight the urgent need for enhanced public health preventive strategies among high-risk populations in the Dominican Republic and other resource-constrained Caribbean settings, as well as global adoption of routine screening for HTLV-associated infections, particularly in these high-risk, underserved populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Paulino-Ramirez
- Instituto de Medicina Tropical & Salud Global, Universidad Iberoamericana (UNIBE), Calle Majoma 13, Los Rios, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
| | - Leandro Tapia
- Instituto de Medicina Tropical & Salud Global, Universidad Iberoamericana (UNIBE), Calle Majoma 13, Los Rios, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
| | - Carlos Ruiz-Matuk
- Instituto de Medicina Tropical & Salud Global, Universidad Iberoamericana (UNIBE), Calle Majoma 13, Los Rios, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
| | - Rebecca Charow
- Centro de Orientación e Investigación Integral (COIN), Calle Anibal de Espinosa 352, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
| | - Henna Budhwani
- University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), School of Public Health, Department of Health Care Organization and Policy, 1720 2nd Avenue South, Birmingham, AL
| | - Jean-Pierre Routy
- McGill University Health Centre: Glenn Site, Research Institute, Block E Suite EM 3-3232, Mezzanine 3M, 1001 Boulevard Décaire, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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Eusebio-Ponce E, Candel FJ, Anguita E. Human T-Cell Lymphotropic Virus Type 1 and associated diseases in Latin America. Trop Med Int Health 2019; 24:934-953. [PMID: 31183938 DOI: 10.1111/tmi.13278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
This narrative review, which is based on a systematic literature search following the PRISMA guidelines, provides a general overview of Human T-cell Lymphotropic Virus type 1 (HTLV-1) and associated diseases: Adult T-cell Leukaemia-Lymphoma (ATLL) and HTLV-1-Associated Myelopathy/Tropical Spastic Paraparesis (HAM/TSP) in Latin America, focusing on epidemiology and prevention. Using the published information on HTLV-1, ATLL and HAM/TSP prevalence, we present comprehensive and accurate maps and tables, and developed an algorithm to assist in the prevention of HTLV-1 transmission through breastfeeding while considering socio-economic status. Latin America is an interesting scenario to study HTLV-1 because of the diverse origin of its population. Apart from the expected high prevalence in inhabitants of African ancestry, the presence of endemic foci affecting indigenous populations is particularly striking. ATLL prevention is the biggest challenge in this field. Most ATLL cases are transmitted through breastfeeding; thus, prevention methods to avoid ATLL in endemic countries have to be focused on this. In view of the high inequality in most Latin American countries, reduction in breastfeeding duration, freezing/thawing and pasteurisation of breastmilk can be suitable interventions in poor settings, considering that avoiding the risk of malnutrition and infant mortality must be the priority.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emiliana Eusebio-Ponce
- Research Department, Universidad Iberoamericana, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.,Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM), Madrid, Spain
| | - Francisco Javier Candel
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM), Madrid, Spain.,Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases Department, Transplant Coordination Unit, IdISSC and IML Institutes, Hospital Clínico San Carlos, Study Group of Infections in Emergency Departments (Infurgsemes, SEMES), Madrid, Spain
| | - Eduardo Anguita
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM), Madrid, Spain.,Hematology Department, Instituto de Medicina de Laboratorio (IML), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria San Carlos (IdISSC), Hospital Clínico San Carlos, Madrid, Spain
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Ma Y, Zheng S, Wang N, Duan Y, Sun X, Jin J, Zang W, Li M, Wang Y, Zhao G. Epidemiological analysis of HTLV-1 and HTLV-2 infection among different population in Central China. PLoS One 2013; 8:e66795. [PMID: 23826136 PMCID: PMC3691312 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0066795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2013] [Accepted: 05/13/2013] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background HTLV-1 and HTLV-2 are retroviruses linked etiologically to various human diseases, and both of them can be transmitted by vertical route, sexual intercourse, blood transfusion and intravenous drug use. Recently, some HTLV-infected cases have been reported and this virus is mainly present in the Southeast coastal areas in China, but has not been studied for the people in Central China. Objectives To know the epidemiologic patterns among different population samples in Central China and further identify risk factor for HTLV-1 and HTLV-2 infection. Methods From January 2008 to December 2011, 5480 blood samples were screened for HTLV-1/2 antibodies by using enzyme immunoassay, followed by Western Blot. Results The prevalence of HTLV-1 and HTLV-2 was found with infection rates 0.13% and 0.05% among all population samples for HTLV-1 and HTLV-2, respectively. The highest percentages of infection, 0.39% and 0.20%, were found in the high risk group, while only 0.06% and 0.03% in the blood donor group. There was only one case of HTLV-1 infection (0.11%) among patients with malignant hematological diseases. Of seven HTLV-1 positive cases, six were co-infected with HBV, two with HCV and one with HIV. Among three HTLV-2 positive individuals all were co-infected with HBV, one with HCV. Conclusions HTLV-1 and HTLV-2 have been detected in the Central China at low prevalence, with the higher infection rate among high risk group. It was also found that co-infection of HTLV-1/2 with HIV and HBV occurred, presumably due to their similar transmission routes. HTLV-1/2 antibody screen among certain population would be important to prevent the spread of the viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunyun Ma
- Department of Immunology & Microbiology, Basic Medical College, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Department of Immunology & Microbiology, Henan Medical College for Staff and Workers, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Shangen Zheng
- Department of Blood Transfusion, Wuhan General Hospital of Guangzhou Military, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Na Wang
- Department of Immunology & Microbiology, Basic Medical College, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Yu Duan
- Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Xinyu Sun
- Laboratory Department, Zhengzhou Central Hospital, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Jing Jin
- Department of Immunology & Microbiology, Henan Medical College for Staff and Workers, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Wenqiao Zang
- Department of Immunology & Microbiology, Basic Medical College, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Min Li
- Department of Immunology & Microbiology, Basic Medical College, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Yuanyuan Wang
- Department of Immunology & Microbiology, Basic Medical College, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Guoqiang Zhao
- Department of Immunology & Microbiology, Basic Medical College, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- * E-mail:
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Zanjani DS, Shahabi M, Talaei N, Afzalaghaee M, Tehranian F, Bazargani R. Molecular analysis of human T cell lymphotropic virus type 1 and 2 (HTLV-1/2) seroindeterminate blood donors from Northeast Iran: evidence of proviral tax, env, and gag sequences. AIDS Res Hum Retroviruses 2011; 27:131-5. [PMID: 20929385 DOI: 10.1089/aid.2010.0017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Human T cell lymphotropic virus type 1 and 2 (HTLV-1/2) Western blot indeterminate results are a problem for blood banks in endemic areas. To determine the prevalence of HTLV-1/2 infection among indeterminate donors, we analyzed 130 cases from Mashhad, an HTLV-1/2 endemic area in Northeast Iran. The most frequent Western blot bands were GD21 alone (37.2%) followed by rgp46-2 alone (32.1%). We further tested 40 available DNA samples of these cases by PCR for viral sequences, tax, gag, and pol, and found five cases (12.5%) to be positive for two or three HTLV-1 genes. There were no significant age, sex, and blood group differences between PCR-positive and PCR-negative cases. Among PCR-positive individuals, the most prevalent Western blot bands were variable combinations of rgp46-1, GD21, and gp21. The mean of the optical density (OD) of the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test was significantly higher in PCR-positive individuals. The frequency of the rgp46-1 band was also significantly higher in PCR-positive cases compared to PCR-negative ones. In conclusion, the majority of HTLV-indeterminate donors lack the HTLV provirus and therefore are not considered infected. However, in some cases with higher ODs in the ELISA test and seroreactivity to env proteins, rgp46-1 and GD21 in particular may be indicative of infection and need further evaluation by molecular methods.
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Ragin C, Edwards R, Heron DE, Kuo J, Wentzel E, Gollin SM, Taioli E. Prevalence of Cancer-Associated Viral Infections in Healthy Afro-Caribbean Populations: A Review of the Literature. Cancer Invest 2009; 26:936-47. [DOI: 10.1080/07357900801975280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Costa JMP, Segurado AC. Molecular evidence of human T-cell lymphotropic virus types 1 and 2 (HTLV-1 and HTLV-2) infections in HTLV seroindeterminate individuals from São Paulo, Brazil. J Clin Virol 2009; 44:185-9. [PMID: 19188090 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcv.2008.12.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2008] [Revised: 12/11/2008] [Accepted: 12/20/2008] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Using enzyme immunoassays and Western blot (Wb) tests, HTLV serodiagnosis yields indeterminate results in a significant number of cases. OBJECTIVE To determine the prevalence of HTLV infection among HTLV-seroindeterminate individuals. STUDY DESIGN We studied peripheral blood mononuclear cells from 65 anti-HTLV Wb-seroindeterminate individuals by attempting to amplify proviral DNA sequences (tax and pol) to identify HTLV-1 and HTLV-2 infections. RESULTS These 65 specimens exhibited predominantly (43%) anti-HTLV antibodies to gag-coded antigens in the absence of anti-p24 on Wb analysis. Tax proviral sequences were detected in 6 (9.2%) samples. According to restricted fragment polymorphism analysis (RFLP), we identified HTLV-1 proviral DNA in 4 samples, HTLV-2 in one and sequences from both in another. Nested PCR for the pol region was positive in 3 (4.6%) specimens, which were also positive for tax sequences. After hybridization HTLV-1 infection was confirmed in 2 samples (3.1%) and HTLV-2 in another (1.5%). Detection of a single HTLV DNA sequence may be due to infection by defective provirus, but its significance remains undefined. In this cohort, no Wb reactivity pattern was predictive of proviral detection. HTLV-1 infection was demonstrated in an individual who had Wb reactivity to gag-coded antigens only. CONCLUSIONS This emphasizes the importance of clinical and laboratory follow-up of HTLV-seroindeterminate individuals from endemic areas.
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Gotuzzo E, Arango C, de Queiroz-Campos A, Istúriz RE. Human T-cell lymphotropic virus-I in Latin America. Infect Dis Clin North Am 2000; 14:211-39, x-xi. [PMID: 10738680 DOI: 10.1016/s0891-5520(05)70225-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
HTLV-1 infection is endemic in several Latin American countries. HTLV-1-associated myelophathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP) and adult T-cell leukemia lymphoma (ATLL) are emerging diseases in the region. Documented risk factors for acquiring the virus include breast-feeding, contaminated blood transfusion, and sexual intercourse, all of which are amenable to prevention efforts. Strongyloides stercoralis hyperinfection syndrome and therapeutic failure in apparently healthy patients with nondisseminated strongyloidiasis may be markers of HTLV-1 infection. HTLV-1 co-infection may adversely effect the clinical course of scabies and HIV disease. The new enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) are sensitive and specific, and Western blot technology is reliable for differentiating HTLV-1 from less common HTLV-2. HTLV-1 screening of blood donors and individuals with any disorder that suggests infection has become a necessity in Latin America to prevent the spread of this important emerging pathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Gotuzzo
- Alexander von Humboldt Institute of Tropical Medicine, Hospital Nacional Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru.
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Safai B, Huang JL, Boeri E, Farid R, Raafat J, Schutzer P, Ahkami R, Franchini G. Prevalence of HTLV type I infection in Iran: a serological and genetic study. AIDS Res Hum Retroviruses 1996; 12:1185-90. [PMID: 8844023 DOI: 10.1089/aid.1996.12.1185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Several publications describe the presence of the human T cell lymphotropic virus type I (HTLV-I) in Jewish individuals born in Mash-had, Iran. We report here the results of HTLV-I serological and genetic studies in the non-Jewish population of Mash-had as well as a neighboring area: Gonbad-Kavous. Seven hundred and seven serum samples from Mash-had (694 healthy individuals and 13 patients with lymphoma) and 90 from Gonbad-Kavous were tested for HTLV antibodies by gelatin particle agglutination assay (PA) and confirmatory Western blots (WBs). Seropositive rates of 3.0% (21 of 694) in Mash-had, 0% (0 of 90) in Gonbad-Kavous, and 100% (13 of 13) in lymphoma cases were observed. HTLV-I DNA sequence were amplified by polymerase chain reaction directly from the fresh PBMCs of seropositive individuals. Phylogenetic analysis of the viral DNA sequence indicated that the HTLV-I present in Mash-had belong to the HTLV-I cosmopolitan clade. Altogether, these data indicate that Mash-had, located in northeastern Iran, is a newly recognized endemic center for HTLV-I.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Safai
- Department of Dermatology, New York Medical College, Valhalla 10595, USA
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