World HTLV-1 Awareness Day

Recently, with the COVID-19 epidemic, virus-related diseases have started to be discussed and aroused curiosity in the society and in the media. One of these viral diseases is the HTLV-1 virus, which is not well known but is important in terms of the diseases it causes. November 10 is known as "World HTLV-1 Day" in the world. For this purpose, we want to share a brief informative article about this virus below with you.

What is HTLV-1?

           Human T-cell Lymphotropic Virus (HTLV) is a virus that can be described as a relative of the HIV virus that causes AIDS, first discovered by Bernard J. Poiesz et al. in 1981. Although there is no clear information in the world, it is estimated that 5-10 million people are infected with the HTLV-1 virus. In particular, it has been determined that the virus is common in some Eastern European countries, Japan, Australia, South America, Africa, Iran and Romania in the south of the Sahara desert. There is no data on its presence and prevalence in the TRNC.

Which diseases are caused by HTLV-1?

          HTLV-1 virus basically plays a role in two diseases at different rates; Adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATLL) and HTLV-1-associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP). ATLL is a highly aggressive cancer of blood cells called lymphocytes, which play a role in the immune system in our body. HAM/TSP, on the other hand, is a condition that manifests itself with loss of strength in the legs, bladder and bowel dysfunction, especially due to loss of myelin in the spinal cord. HTLV-1 has also been shown to play a role in some skin diseases. Therefore, early skin findings play a very important role in early diagnosis if this virus is suspected. In this regard, dermatologists play an important role in early diagnosis.

Most people infected with HTLV-1 do not show symptoms, which contributes to the faster spread of the virus.

How is HTLV-1 transmitted?

        HTLV-1 is a virus that can be transmitted from person to person. Sexual contact, giving blood/blood products and breastfeeding are the main transmission routes.

Can HTLV-1 be prevented?

            If suspected, the diagnosis of HTLV-1 is made as a result of further examination of blood samples (antibody and antigen search). HTLV-1 is a preventable virus. Methods such as safe sexual intercourse and examination of the donor's blood before blood transfusions prevent transmission. There is currently no vaccine available for this virus.

Can HTLV-1-related diseases be treated?

         Although there is no satisfactory and definitive treatment yet, chemotherapy for ATLL, combination of zidovudine and interferon alfa, and mogamulizumab are the primary treatments. While HAM/TSP treatment targets the treatment of clinical findings rather than the treatment of virus-infected cells, agents that suppress inflammation (prednisolone and other anti-inflammatory agents) are at the forefront.

Pharm. Shideh Roshani & Assoc.Prof. Dr. Emre Hamurtekin
Eastern Mediterranean University
Faculty of Pharmacy

References:

Kaufman, M. B. (2018) 'Pharmaceutical approval update', P and T, 43(12), pp. 734–735.

Futsch N., Mahieux R., Dutartre H. (2017) HTLV-1, the Other Pathogenic Yet Neglected Human Retrovirus: From Transmission to Therapeutic Treatment. Viruses. 10(1):1. doi: 10.3390/v10010001. PMID: 29267225; PMCID: PMC5795414.