Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1994. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
HTLV-I and -II natural history and disease associations (Meeting abstract).
International Association for Comparative Research on Leukemia and Related Diseases, 16th Symposium. July 11-16, 1993, Montreal, Quebec, Canada, A52, 1993.. Unique Identifier : AIDSLINE ICDB/94698650 Blattner WA; Viral Epidemiology Section, NCI, Bethesda, MD
Abstract:
In 1980 HTLV-I and in 1982 HTLV-II were isolated. Considerable progress has been gained in defining the natural history of HTLV-I, while for HTLV-II progress has been slow. Recent studies have helped to clarify mechanisms of virus transmission. Breast milk feeding is the major route for transmission of HTLV-I in the first year, while for HTLV-II data is circumstantial. Prospective studies in Jamaica document a fall in maternal antibody titer in the first 6 months of life which coincides with subsequent seroconversion. Recently, a lymphadenopathy syndrome has been observed in children of HTLV-I positive mothers possibly reflecting immune response to initial infection. In the transfusion setting half of recipients seroconvert especially when the recipient is on immunosuppressant drugs supporting the concept that host immune responses contribute to clearing viral infection in some individuals. The major source of adult acquired infection results from sexual transmission especially in the setting of other sexually acquired diseases with male to female rather than female to male transmission predominating. Environmental cofactors which may amplify the proliferation of lymphocytes and create activation marker targets which amplify susceptibility have been suggested. The ATL syndrome appears to result from early life exposure perhaps involving immunosuppressive mechanisms as suggested by its possible link to Infective Dermatitis and markers of immunosuppression (ie, elevated levels of tumor growth factor-beta in cases). HAM/TSP and HAAP may involve heightened immunologic over response in their pathogenesis, although virologic factors are suggested by recent animal models. Several investigators have described HAM/TSP-like illnesses in HTLV-II infected persons, and large cell granulocytic cell leukemia has been reported as a possible HTLV-II associated leukemia. Recent studies of Guaymi Indians in Panama document differences in patterns of seroprevalence (equal male to female ratio in each age group) and certain clinical syndromes which bear investigation as possible HTLV-II associated diseases. Human retroviruses are important candidates for diseases of unknown etiology, particularly involving lymphoproliferative and immunologic processes.
Keywords: Adult Biological Markers Breast Feeding Cell Division Female Human HTLV-I Infections/IMMUNOLOGY/*TRANSMISSION HTLV-II Infections/IMMUNOLOGY/*TRANSMISSION Infant, Newborn Leukemia, T-Cell/ETIOLOGY Lymphocytes/PATHOLOGY Male Maternal-Fetal Exchange Milk, Human Paraparesis, Tropical Spastic/COMPLICATIONS Sexually Transmitted Diseases ABSTRACT
AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.
Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1994. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
