Definition

Human T cell lymphotropic virus (HTLV) infects a type of white blood cell called a T-cell or T-lymphocyte. White blood cells are a type of cell that helps fight infection. HTLV is a type of retrovirus that can cause cancer. It is different than the retrovirus that causes AIDS.

Causes

HTLV infection is caused by a specific virus.

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Risk Factors

There are 2 types of HTLV: HTLV-I and HTLV-II.

Factors that may increase the chances of getting HTLV-I:

• Living in an area where the virus is common such as Southern Japan, Caribbean countries, parts of Africa and South America, the Middle East, and Melanesia
• Being breastfed by an infected mother
• Receiving a blood transfusion or transplant in the US before 1988
• Having unprotected sex with someone who is infected with the virus, who is an injection drug user, or who is from an area where the virus is common
• Injection drug use

People of American Indian or African Pygmy descent are at greater risk for HTLV-II.

Factors may that increase the chances of getting HTLV-II:

• Being breastfed by an infected mother
• Receiving a blood transfusion in the US before 1988
• Having unprotected sex with someone who is infected with the virus or who is an injection drug user
• Injection drug use

Symptoms

More than 95% of people with HTLV do not have symptoms. However, having the virus puts you at higher risk of developing certain conditions.

• If you are infected with the HTLV-I virus, it is possible that you may develop
  • Adult T-cell leukemia (ATL). This disease involves cancer of a specific group of white blood cells.
  • Opportunistic infections, including Strongyloides stercoralis hyperinfection
  • Inflammation of the eyes, joints, muscles, lungs, or skin (rare)

If you are infected with HTLV-I or HTLV-II, you may also develop a disorder of the nervous system known as HTLV-associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP). It can cause weakness, numbness and stiffness in the legs, and difficulty walking.

Diagnosis

You will be asked about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done.

HTLV infection can only be diagnosed with a specific blood test. The presence of HTLV antibodies is a sign of infection with the virus.

Treatment

There is no treatment that can remove the virus from the body. Treatment is aimed at managing HTLV-associated diseases and reducing their symptoms.

To prevent spreading HTLV to others:

• Do not donate plasma, bone marrow, organs, semen, or breast milk.
• Do not breastfeed your baby.
• Avoid unprotected sex.
• Avoid sharing needles or syringes.

Prevention

To help reduce the chances of HTLV infection:

• Avoid unprotected sex. If your partner has the virus, discuss ways to prevent the spread of the virus with your doctor.
• Avoid sharing needles or syringes.