Antibody to human T-lymphotropic virus type I/II (HTLV-I/II) among male inmates entering Maryland prisons

Article Abstract:

Infection with human T-lymphotropic virus type I/II (HTLV-I/II) is common among blacks and intravenous drug users, particularly in areas of the southeastern United States. Because there are many intravenous drug users in prison, HTLV I/II is likely to be prevalent among inmates of prison systems in the middle Atlantic states, which border the southeastern region of the United States. When the body is exposed to a virus such as HTLV I/II, the immune or natural defense system produces specialized proteins called antibodies that specifically bind to and inactivate the virus. The prevalence of antibodies to HTLV I/II was assessed among inmates entering Maryland prisons in 1987 and 1988. Blood samples were obtained from the prisoners during routine examinations. Among 1,932 inmates, 49 percent were aged 25 years or older, 70 percent were black, 62 percent were from the Baltimore metropolitan area, 34 percent were intravenous drug users, and 7 percent had antibodies to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1). Eighteen of the 1,932 inmates (0.9 percent) had antibodies to HTLV I/II and all 18 were black. The prevalence of HTLV I/II antibodies was related to age but not to year of entering prison, presence of HIV-1 antibodies, jurisdiction, offense, or sentence. In addition, the prevalence of HTLV I/II was higher among inmates as compared with the local population. Further investigation is needed to determine the extent and scope of HTLV I/II infection in the prison population. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Demographic aspects, Diseases, HTLV-I infections, Maryland, Prisoners, Prisons

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Comparison of DNA amplification methods for the detection of Chlamydia trachomatis in first-void urine from asymptomatic military recruits

Article Abstract:

Chlamydia trachomatis may be better detected by the DNA amplification method known as the ligase chain reaction (LCR) than by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or enzyme immunoassay (EIA). Researchers tested urine specimens of 705 asymptomatic young male military recruits to determine which test was most accurate in detecting C. trachomatis, a sexually transmitted infection. The LCR test identified C. trachomatis in 27 of 29 positive urine specimens, as compared to 18 of 29 identified by PCR. EIA detected 11 of the 29 positive specimens. Positive results were confirmed by direct fluorescence antibody testing and by a second LCR that looked for a gene related to the major outer membrane protein (MOMP) of C. trachomatis. Freezing and thawing specimens before PCR analysis may improve its sensitivity.

Analysis, Diagnosis, Chlamydia trachomatis, Gene amplification, Urine, Urinalysis

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Incidence and risk factors for human T-lymphotropic virus type II seroconversion among injecting drug users in Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.A

Article Abstract:

Injection drug users (IDUs) who use a needle-sharing practice known as backloading may be at greater risk of acquiring human T-lymphotropic virus type II (HTLV-II). Backloading refers to transferring the contents of one syringe into a second syringe. Researchers analyzed blood samples from 2,853 IDUs in Baltimore, Maryland and found that 38 participants were HTLV-II positive. IDUs who were HTLV-II positive were more likely to report backloading their syringes than those who were HTLV-II negative. Small amounts of contaminated blood could be transferred in this way. In contrast to previous studies, HTLV-II incidence rates were comparable for IDUs under and over 34 years of age. IDUs with HTLV-II were more likely to engage in high-risk sexual practices and high-risk drug injection techniques.

Health aspects, Methods, Risk factors, HTLV-II infections, Intravenous drug abuse, Injections, Intravenous, Intravenous injections

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