The first survey of human T-cell lymphotropic viruses (HTLV) in HIV/AIDS patients in Santa Catarina State, Brazil

• Published in: Revista do Instituto de Medicina Tropical de São Paulo 2019-01, Vol.61, p.1-6
• Main Authors: Marcon, Chaiana Esmeraldino Mendes, Campos, Karoline Rodrigues, Silva, Gabriela Bassi da, Schuelter-Trevisol, Fabiana, Schlindwein, Aline Daiane, Trevisol, Daisson José, Caterino-de-Araujo, Adele
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Brazil; Brief Communication; HIV; HTLV-1; HTLV-2; Santa Catarina State; TROPICAL MEDICINE
• ISSN: 1678-9946; 0036-4665; 1678-9946
• DOI: 10.1590/S1678-9946201961053

Santa Catarina is a Brazilian State that has reported the lowest prevalence of human T-cell lymphotropic viruses (HTLV-1/2) in blood donors (0.04%). Although it presents ports, airports and roads that facilitate the entrance and dissemination of new infectious agents, no information exists concerning the HTLV-1/2 infections in HIV/AIDS patients. This study searched for HTLV-1/2 antibodies in plasma samples of 625 HIV/AIDS patients from the municipality of Tubarao (Southern Santa Catarina), and disclosed 1.1% of positivity (0.48% HTLV-1, 0.48% HTLV-2 and 0.16% untypeable HTLV), and a positive correlation with the male sex (OR 4.16) and intravenous drug use (OR 35.18). Although the percentage of 1.1% appears to be low, it is 27.5 times higher than the percentage detected in blood donors. Since HTLV-1 and HTLV-2 are circulating in HIV-infected individuals in Southern Santa Catarina, and these retroviruses could cause a differently impact on the HIV/AIDS outcomes, the surveillance of HTLV-1/2 is necessary, and it could support public health policies in preventing the transmission and dissemination of these viruses in this State.