What disease is caused by HTLV-1?

What disease is caused by HTLV-1?

The human T-lymphotropic virus type 1 is also known by the acronym HTLV-1, or as human T-cell leukaemia virus type 1. The virus can cause a type of cancer called adult T-cell leukaemia/lymphoma (ATL). HTLV-1 is transmitted primarily through infected bodily fluids including blood, breast milk and semen.

Can HTLV-1 be cured?

There is no cure or treatment for HTLV-1 and it is considered a lifelong condition; however, most (95%) infected people remain asymptomatic (show no symptoms) throughout life.

How is HTLV-1 transmitted?

Transmission of HTLV-I occurs from mother to child (18), by sexual contact (19), by blood transfusion (20), and by sharing contaminated needles.

Can you live with HTLV?

Human T-cell lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) infection is intractable and endemic in many countries. Although a few individuals have severe symptoms, most patients remain asymptomatic throughout their lives and their infections may be unknown to many health professionals.

What are the possible complications of HTLV-1?

However, some affected people may later develop adult T-cell leukemia (ATL), HTLV-1 associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP) or other medical conditions. Approximately 2-5% of people with HTLV-1 will develop ATL, a cancer of the T-cells (a type of white blood cell).

What are the symptoms of human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1)?

Listen Human T-cell leukemia virus, type 1 (HTLV-1) generally causes no signs or symptoms. Roughly .25-2% of people with HTLV-1 will develop HAM/TSP, a chronic, progressive disease of the nervous system. Human T-cell leukemia virus, type 1 (HTLV-1) occurs when a person is infected by the human T-cell leukemia retrovirus.

What is the life expectancy of someone with HTLV-1?

Depending on the subtype of ATL, people usually live an average of 6 months to 2 years following diagnosis. Although chemotherapy can produce a complete remission, it does not alter the life expectancy. About .25 to 2% of people with HTLV-1 infection will develop HTLV-1 associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP) .

What is the mode of transmission of HTLV-1?

The most important routes of HTLV-1 transmission were found to be from mother to child and predominantly through breastfeeding, sexual intercourse, and blood contact, including the transfusion of infected cellular products or sharing of needles and syringes (84).