Blood transfusion as a major risk factor for HTLV-I infection among hospitalized children in Gabon (equatorial Africa)
Article Abstract:
Children in Gabon who have been hospitalized or have received blood transfusions appear to have an increased risk of infection with human T-lymphotropic virus type I (HTLV-I). HTLV-I is a retrovirus like HIV and can cause adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma and tropical spastic paresis. It is prevalent in parts of Japan, South America and Africa. It is spread through body fluids during sexual intercourse, blood transfusion and breast-feeding. Of 434 mothers tested in Gabon, 31 (7.1%) were positive for HTLV-I. Of 610 children tested, 17 (2.8%) were positive for HTLV-I. Eleven of the infected children had sickle cell anemia. Of 13 mothers whose children were HTLV-I positive, six of them were HTLV-positive. All seven infected children whose mothers were negative had been hospitalized and had had a blood transfusion. Compared with the HTLV-I negative children, the infected children were much more likely to have received a blood transfusion.
Publication Name: Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0894-9255
Year: 1993
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Mother-to-child transmission of human T-cell lymphotropic virus types I and II (HTLV-I/II) in Gabon: a prospective follow-up of 4 years
Article Abstract:
Transmission of human lymphotropic virus types I and II (HTLV-I and HTLV-II) appear to be transmitted in breast milk in African women infected with the viruses. In a study of 34 children born to HTLV-positive women in Gabon, none seroconverted in the first year of life, 4 seroconverted by the age of 2, and one seroconverted by the age of 3. Polymerase chain reaction analysis of cord blood and amniotic fluid at birth was negative for HTLV, indicating that the virus was not transmitted during birth. This fact combined with the late conversion rates indicates that the virus was probably transmitted via breast milk.
Publication Name: Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes and Human Retrovirology
Subject: Health
ISSN: 1077-9450
Year: 1996
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Seroprevalence of HIV-1, HIV-2, and HIV-1 Group O in Nigeria: evidence for a growing increase of HIV infection
Article Abstract:
The authors demonstrate that the prevalence of HIV-1, HIV-2 and HIV-1 Group O have increased significantly in Nigeria since the last studies done in 1991/1992 and 1993/1994. The identification of the Group O strain indicates it is widespread in Nigeria.
Publication Name: Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes and Human Retrovirology
Subject: Health
ISSN: 1077-9450
Year: 1997
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