The risk of development of HTLV-I-associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis among persons infected with HTLV-I

Article Abstract:

The human T-lymphotropic virus type I (HTLV-I) is thought to cause HTLV-I-associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP), a disease affecting the muscles and nerves. HAM/TSP is a chronic condition in which the myelin which surrounds the nerves, primarily the nerves of the spinal cord, degenerates. In HAM/TSP, the lower extremities become weak, the bladder does not hold urine properly, and there are sensory disturbances. It is thought that HAM/TSP does not occur often as a complication of HTLV-I infection, but the incidence of HAM/TSP among HTLV-I infected individuals is not known. In Japan, where HTLV-I infection is highly endemic, two national surveys were performed in 1987 and 1988. There were 589 cases of HAM/TSP reported in Japan. Of these, the onset of 170 cases occurred during the years 1982 to 1988, for an average incidence of 24 cases per year. The number of individuals who were infected with HTLV-I in 1985 was estimated to be 794,800. Therefore, the incidence of HAM/TSP among HTLV-I infected individuals was estimated to be 0.000031 cases per year. The lifetime incidence, with the number of expected years in a lifetime taken to be 75 years, was estimated to be 0.25 percent (one-quarter of 1 percent); it is concluded that the chance of HAM/TSP developing in an individual infected with HTLV-I is small. It is important to estimate the risk of acquiring HAM/TSP in the counseling of individuals who are infected with HTLV-I. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Japan, Statistics

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The risk of tropical spastic paraparesis differs according to ethnic group among HTLV-I carriers in Inongo, Zaire

Article Abstract:

The incidence of human T-cell lymphotropic virus type-I-associated tropical spastic paraparesis (TSP-HAM) may be highest among individuals from the Ntomba ethnic group in Zaire. TSP-HAM is a degenerative disease of the brain. Infection with human T-cell lymphotropic virus type-I (HTLV-I) has been associated with other diseases such as leukemia and lymphoma. A study examined the incidence of HTLV-I infection and TSP-HAM among the five major ethnic groups of Zaire. Among 1,162 individuals surveyed in Zaire, 36 (3%) were infected with HTLV-I. The Bolia ethnic group had the highest incidence (7%) of HTLV-I infection. All six cases of TSP-HAM occurred in individuals from the Ntomba ethnic group, although only 2% of this group was infected with HTLV-I. Other factors may affect the development of TSP-HAM besides infection with HTLV-I.

Ethnicity

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Male-to-female transmission of human T-cell lymphotropic virus types I and II: association with viral load

Article Abstract:

Viral load and length of the relationship seem to determine whether a man infected with human lymphotropic virus I or II (HTLV-I and HTLV-II) will transmit the virus to his sexual partner. Almost 38% of the female partners of male blood donors infected with HTLV tested positive for the viruses. Only 20% of the male partners of female HTLV-infected blood donors tested positive. HTLV transmission was determined to be from man to woman in 16 of 17 couples who were both infected. This indicates that the virus is more easily transmitted from men to women rather than vice versa. High blood levels of the virus and longer relationship were also associated with viral transmission.

Disease transmission, Sexual intercourse, HTLV-I (Virus), HTLV-II (Virus)

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