O conhecimento dos profissionais da Atenção Básica em Saúde sobre o Vírus T-linfotrópico Humano / The knowledge of Primary Health Care professionals about the Human T-lymphotropic virus / El conocimiento de los profesionales de la Atención Primaria de Salud sobre el virus linfotrópico T humano

Objetivo: investigar o conhecimento de profissionais de saúde presentes em unidades básicas de saúde (UBS's) sobre o HTLV e as condutas tomadas em caso de infecção. Método:pesquisa quantitativa transversal de abordagem exploratória, sendo realizada por meio de entrevista, com preenchimento de formulário via Google Forms. Realizada em julho de 2023. Resultados:estudo composto por 33 profissionais de saúde, dentre os quais 39% afirmaram desconhecer o HTLV. Essa informação é preocupante, considerando que uma unidade de saúde representa a principal porta de entrada paraos indivíduos em busca de atendimento à saúde. A maioria expressiva, representando 70%, demonstrou conhecimento sobre os meios de prevenção da doença. Porém, a vacinação não foi identificada pela maioria como um método de prevenção, destacando uma percepção menos difundida sobre o papel da vacina nesse contexto. Conclusão:é crucial divulgar pesquisas sobre o tema, criando oportunidades estratégicas para aprimorar tanto a compreensão clínica quanto a empatia no atendimento aos portadores do HTLV, contribuindo assim para a melhoria do diagnóstico, tratamento e qualidade assistencia

Objective:To investigate the knowledge of health professionals present in primary health care units (BHUs) about HTLV and the procedures taken in case of infection. Method:cross-sectional quantitative research with an exploratory approach, carried out through interviews, filling out a form via Google Forms. Carried out in July 2023. Results:study composed of 33 health professionals, of which 39% said they were unaware of HTLV. This information is worrying, considering that a health unit represents the main gateway for individuals seeking health care. The significant majority, representing 70%, demonstrated knowledge about the means of preventing the disease. However, vaccination was not identified by the majority as a prevention method, highlighting a less widespread perception about the role of the vaccine in this context. Conclusion:it is crucial to disseminate research on the topic, creating strategic opportunities to improve both clinical understanding and empathy in the care of HTLV carriers, thus contributing to the improvement of diagnosis, treatment and quality of care.

Objective:To investigate the knowledge of health professionals present in primary health care units (BHUs) about HTLV and the procedures taken in case of infection. Method:cross-sectional quantitative research with an exploratory approach, carried out through interviews, filling out a form via Google Forms. Carried out in July 2023. Results:study composed of 33 health professionals, of which 39% said they were unaware of HTLV. This information is worrying, considering that a health unit represents the main gateway for individuals seeking health care. The significant majority, representing 70%, demonstrated knowledge about the means of preventing the disease. However, vaccination was not identified by the majority as a prevention method, highlighting a less widespread perception about the role of the vaccine in this context. Conclusion:it is crucial to disseminate research on the topic, creating strategic opportunities to improve both clinical understanding and empathy in the care of HTLV carriers, thus contributing to the improvement of diagnosis, treatment and quality of care.

COVID-19 y leucemia/linfoma T del adulto, sinergia mortal / COVID-19 and adult T cell leukemia-lymphoma: a deadly synergy

La leucemia/linfoma T del adulto es una neoplasia maligna de mal pronóstico frecuente en población anciana. Se presenta el caso de una mujer de 44 años de edad, de Ayacucho, diagnosticada con el subtipo linfomatoso de esta enfermedad e infección por virus linfotrópico T humano-I; mostró síndrome oclusivo de vena cava superior con tratamiento de quimioterapia sistémica bajo régimen de dosis ajustada con rituximab más etoposido, prednisona, vincristina, ciclofosfamida y doxorubicina. Posteriormente ingresó en emergencia por presentar dificultad respiratoria, tos seca, disminución de la conciencia, hipercalcemia, tomografía de tórax con patrón heterogéneo consolidativo en ambos pulmones y PCR en hisopado nasofaríngeo positivo a COVID-19. Recibió tratamiento de hidroxicloroquina, azitromicina, corticoides e ivermectina con pobre respuesta, rápido deterioro y fallece días después. La leucemia/linfoma T del adulto a edad temprana es rara y está relacionada con infecciones crónicas como strongyloides o tuberculosis, susceptible ante el padecimiento de COVID-19.

Adult T cell leukemia-lymphoma is a common malignancy with a poor prognosis in the elderly population. We present a 44-year-old woman from Ayacucho who was diagnosed with a lymphoma subtype of this disease and a human T-lymphotropic virus-I infection; she showed superior vena cava occlusive syndrome with systemic chemotherapy treatment under an adjusted-dose regimen with rituximab plus etoposide, prednisone, vincristine, cyclophosphamide and doxorubicin. Subsequently, she was admitted to the emergency service due to respiratory distress, dry cough, decreased consciousness, hipercalcemia, chest tomography with a heterogeneous consolidation pattern in both lungs and positive RT-PCR nasopharyngeal swab test for COVID-19. She received treatment with hydroxychloroquine, azithromycin, corticosteroids and ivermectin with a poor response, rapid deterioration and died later. Adult T cell leukemia-lymphoma at an early age is rare and is related to chronic infections such as strongyloides or tuberculosis, susceptible to COVID-19.

Distribución geográfica y tipo de infección del virus linfotrópico T humano en pacientes peruanos 2019-2021

En el presente estudio describimos y caracterizamos la distribución geográfica de los casos positivos confirmados a HTLV-1 y 2 de pacientes peruanos con diagnóstico presuntivo entre 2019 y 2021. De un total de 555 muestras positivas confirmadas, 546 (98,4%) fueron HTLV-1 y 9 (1,6%) HTLV-2. Además, 22 de 24 departamentos del Perú presentaron casos de HTLV-1, siendo los principales motivos de solicitud de confirmación diagnóstica: aspirante a donar sangre con prueba de tamizaje reactivo, sospecha de leucemia/linfoma y paraparesia espástica tropical. Los resultados reflejan que la identificación de los puntos críticos constituye una brecha persistente respecto al diagnóstico, siendo cruciales para reducir el número de nuevos casos en Perú.

In the present study we describe and characterize the geographic distribution of HTLV-1 and 2 positive cases from Peruvian patients with presumptive diagnosis 2019 - 2021. Of a total of 555 confirmed positive samples, 546 (98.4%) were HTLV-1 and 9 (1.6%) HTLV-2. In addition, 22 of 24 departments of Peru presented cases of HTLV-1. The main reasons for requesting a confirmatory diagnosis being: aspiring to donate blood with a reactive screening test, suspicion of leukemia/ lymphoma and tropical spastic paraparesis. The results reflect that the identification of critical points constitutes a persistent gap regarding the diagnosis, being crucial to reduce the number of new cases in Peru.

Elderly people with human T-cell leukemia virus type 1-associated myelopathy present an early impairment in cognitive skills / Idosos com mielopatia associada ao vírus da leucemia de células T humanas tipo 1apresentam comprometimento precoce em habilidades cognitivas

Abstract Background Cerebral changes occur in individuals with human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1 )-associated myelopathy (HAM) and seem to predominate in subcortical areas. Little is known about the cognitive decline in the elderly living with HTLV-1. Objective To evaluate the cognitive aging of individuals infected with HTLV-1 aged ≥ 50 years. Methods This is a cross-sectional study of former blood donors infected with HTLV-1 who have been followed in the cohort of the Interdisciplinary Research Group on HTLV-1 since 1997. The groups of study consisted of 79 HTLV-1 infected individuals aged ≥ 50 years, with 41 of them presenting symptomatic HAM and 38 being asymptomatic carriers, and 59 seronegative individuals (controls) aged ≥ 60 years. All were submitted to the P300 electrophysiological test and neuropsychological tests. Results Individuals with HAM presented delayed P300 latency in relation to the other groups, and this latency delay increased progressively with aging. The performance of this group in the neuropsychological tests was also the worst. The HTLV-1- asymptomatic group performance was similar to that of the control group. Conclusions Individuals with HAM presented cognitive decline that progressed with aging and, although HTLV-1-asymptomatic carriers appear to present cognitive aging similar to that of healthy elderly people, concern about a subclinical cognitive impairment is warranted in this population.

Resumo Antecedentes Alterações cerebrais ocorrem em indivíduos com mielopatia associada ao vírus da leucemia de células T humanas tipo 1 (HTLV-1) (HAM) e parecem predominar em áreas subcorticais. Pouco se sabe sobre o declínio cognitivo em idosos vivendo com HTLV-1. Objetivo Avaliar o envelhecimento cognitivo de indivíduos infectados pelo HTLV-1 com idade ≥ 50 anos. Métodos Trata-se de um estudo transversal com ex-doadores de sangue infectados pelo HTLV-1 acompanhados na coorte do Grupo Interdisciplinar de Pesquisa em HTLV-1 há 20 anos. Os grupos de estudo foram compostos por 79 indivíduos infectados pelo HTLV-1 com idade ≥ 50 anos, sendo que 41 apresentavam HAM e 38 eram portadores assintomáticos, e 59 indivíduos soronegativos (controles) com idade ≥ 60 anos. Todos foram submetidos ao teste eletrofisiológico P300 e testes neuropsicológicos. Resultados Indivíduos com HAM apresentaram atraso na latência do P300 em relação aos demais grupos, e esse atraso de latência aumentou progressivamente com o envelhecimento. O desempenho desse grupo nos testes neuropsicológicos também foi o pior. O desempenho do grupo HTLV-1- assintomático foi semelhante ao do grupo controle. Conclusão Indivíduos com HAM apresentaram declínio cognitivo que progrediu com o envelhecimento e, embora os portadores assintomáticos do HTLV-1 pareçam apresentar envelhecimento cognitivo semelhante ao dos idosos saudáveis, justificase a preocupação com um comprometimento cognitivo subclínico nessa população.

Impaired flexibility in patients with tropical spastic paraparesis/HTLV-associated myelopathy: evaluation via pendulum fleximeter / Flexibilidade prejudicada em pacientes com paraparesia espástica tropical/mielopatia associada ao HTLV: avaliação via flexímetro pendular

Abstract Background Flexibility is crucial to the harmonious execution of joint movements. While skeletal muscle dysfunction in patients with HTLV-1 can interfere with mobility, it is unclear whether these patients experience reduced flexibility. Objective To evaluate the differences in flexibility between HTLV-1-infected individuals with and without myelopathy compared with uninfected controls. We also investigated whether age, sex, body mass index (BMI), physical activity level, or lower back pain influence flexibility in HTLV-1-infected individuals. Methods The sample consisted of 56 adults, of which 15 did not have HTLV-1, 15 had HTLV-1 without myelopathy, and 26 had TSP/HAM. Their flexibility was assessed using the sit-and-reach test and a pendulum fleximeter. Results No differences in flexibility were observed between the groups with and without myelopathy and controls without HTLV-1 infection using the sit-and-reach test. The pendulum fleximeter results of individuals with TSP/HAM presented the lowest flexibility among the groups with respect to trunk flexion, hip flexion and extension, knee flexion, and ankle dorsiflexion, even after adjusting for age, sex, BMI, level of physical activity, and lower back pain using multiple linear regression models. Additionally, HTLV-1-infected individuals without myelopathy demonstrated reduced flexibility in movements: knee flexion, dorsiflexion, and ankle plantar flexion. Conclusions Individuals with TSP/HAM demonstrated reduced flexibility in most of the movements evaluated by the pendulum fleximeter. Additionally, HTLV-1-infected individuals without myelopathy demonstrated reduced knee and ankle flexibility, potentially representing a marker of myelopathic development.

Resumo Antecedentes A flexibilidade é fundamental para a execução harmoniosa dos movimentos articulares. Embora a disfunção do músculo esquelético em pacientes com HTLV-1 possa interferir na mobilidade, não está claro se esses pacientes apresentam flexibilidade reduzida. Objetivo Avaliar as diferenças de flexibilidade entre os indivíduos infectados com e sem mielopatia e o grupo controle sem infecção HTLV-1. Também investigamos se idade, sexo, índice de massa corporal (IMC), nível de atividade física ou dor lombar influenciam a flexibilidade em indivíduos infectados pelo HTLV-1. Métodos A amostra foi composta por 56 adultos, dos quais 15 não possuíam HTLV-1, 15 possuíam HTLV-1 sem mielopatia e 26 possuíam TSP/HAM. A flexibilidade foi avaliada por meio do teste de sentar e alcançar e do flexímetro de pêndulo. Resultados Não foram observadas diferenças na flexibilidade entre os grupos com e sem mielopatia no teste de sentar e alcançar. Os resultados do flexímetro pendular dos indivíduos com TSP/HAM apresentaram a menor flexibilidade entre os grupos em relação à flexão do tronco, flexão e extensão do quadril, flexão do joelho e dorsiflexão do tornozelo, mesmo após ajuste para idade, sexo, IMC, nível de atividade física e dor lombar usando modelos de regressão múltipla linear. Além disso, os indivíduos infectados pelo HTLV-1 sem mielopatia demonstraram redução da flexibilidade nos movimentos de flexão do joelho, dorsiflexão e flexão plantar do tornozelo. Conclusão Indivíduos com TSP/HAM demonstraram redução da flexibilidade na maioria dos movimentos avaliados pelo flexímetro pendular. Além disso, indivíduos infectados pelo HTLV-1 sem mielopatia demonstraram redução da flexibilidade do joelho e tornozelo, representando potencialmente um marcador de desenvolvimento mielopático.

Correlation between serological screening of human T-lymphotropic virus antibodies and confirmatory tests / 中国输血杂志

【Objective】 To explore the correlation between serological screening of human T-lymphotropic virus antibodies (anti HTLV) and Western blot(WB) confirmatory tests among blood donors, so as to explore the infection status of HTLV Ⅰ/Ⅱ in Guangzhou. 【Methods】 The anti HTLV Ⅰ/Ⅱ enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) kit was used to screen voluntary blood donors from Guangzhou Blood Center from July 2016 to August 2022. WB was used to confirm 395 reactive blood samples by ELISA. The correlation between the S/CO values of anti HTLV Ⅰ/Ⅱ ELISA reagents and the confirmatory test was analyzed using ROC curves. 【Results】 The results showed that 25 out of 395 initially screened reactive blood donor samples were confirmed as HTLV positive by WB, while 16 were uncertain. ROC curve analysis showed a correlation between the S/CO values by ELISA and the confirmatory test results: the S/CO value at the highest Youden index was 3.789, which was the optimal threshold. The S/CO value had a certain correlation with the predicted positive rate of confirmatory results (P<0.05): the larger the S/CO value, the higher the predicted positive value. The overall prevalence of HTLV in Guangzhou is relatively low. 【Conclusion】 The prevalence of HTLV among blood donors in Guangzhou is low.Since the false positive rate of HTLV Ⅰ/Ⅱ antibody by ELISA serological screening is high, the confirmatory testing is particularly important.

Virus linfotrópico humano de células T tipo 1 (HTLV-1) en el embarazo / Human lymphotropic virus in T-cell type 1 (HTLV-1) during pregnancy

El HTLV-1 es un retrovirus que afecta principalmente a los linfocitos T-CD4, causando enfermedades como paraparesia espástica o mielopatía, uveítis, dermatitis infecciosas, leucemia/linfoma de las células T del adulto, además de otras enfermedades. Causa una infección crónica de por vida en humanos y su transmisión ocurre a través de la lactancia materna, el contacto sexual y las transfusiones de sangre. En Chile actualmente ocupa el cuarto lugar en notificaciones entre el año 2014-2021, estimándose a nivel mundial más de 20 millones de portadores. El mayor riesgo de transmisión ocurre por lactancia mayor a seis meses y alta carga proviral y altos títulos de anticuerpos en la madre portadora. El objetivo consistió en analizar la situación de la portación del virus HTLV-1 durante el embarazo, determinando su prevalencia, vías de transmisión y complicaciones. Se realizó una revisión bibliográfica sistemática de artículos publicados en bases de datos científicas referidos al virus HTLV-1. Este virus está globalmente diseminado y se presenta en forma endémica en algunas regiones del mundo con prevalencias entre muy elevadas y bajas. En Chile la seroprevalencia en promedio es de 0,124% para HTLV-1. Esta infección no cuenta con tratamiento, solo se tratan los síntomas por lo que mientras esto no cambie, solo es factible reducir la transmisión, incidencia y la morbilidad del HTLV-1 incorporando medidas de control del virus en las intervenciones de control de enfermedades y estrategias de salud pública. La forma más eficiente de transmisión del virus madre-hijo es a través de la leche materna, es necesario implementar la detección prenatal de HTLV-1, en especial en las zonas endémicas, así como también asesorar a las madres HTVL-1 positivas sobre la lactancia materna.

HTLV-1 is a retrovirus that mainly affects CD4-T lymphocytes, causing diseases such as spastic paraparesis or myelopathy, uveitis, infectious dermatitis, adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma, and other diseases. It causes a lifelong chronic infection in humans and its transmission occurs through breastfeeding, sexual contact and blood transfusions. In Chile, it currently ranks fourth in notifications between the years 2014-2021, with more than 20 million carriers being estimated worldwide. The greatest risk of transmission occurs by breastfeeding for more than six months and high proviral load and high antibody titers in the carrier mother. The objective consisted of analyzing the situation of the carriage of the HTLV-1 virus during pregnancy, determining its prevalence, transmission routes and complications. A systematic bibliographic review of articles published in scientific databases referring to the HTLV-1 virus was carried out. This virus is globally disseminated and occurs endemic in some regions of the world with prevalence between very high and low. In Chile, the average seroprevalence is 0.124% for HTLV-1. There is no treatment for this infection, only the symptoms are treated, so as long as this does not change, it is only feasible to reduce the transmission, incidence, and morbidity of HTLV-1 by incorporating virus control measures into disease control interventions and strategies. of public health. The most efficient form of mother-child transmission of the virus is through breast milk, it is necessary to implement prenatal screening for HTLV-1, especially in endemic areas, as well as counsel HTLV-1 positive mothers on breastfeeding

Autoimmune manifestations in pediatric patients with human type I T - cell lymphotropic virus (HTLV-1) infection / Manifestaciones autoinmunes en pacientes pediátricos con infección por virus linfotrópico humano de células T tipo I (HTLV-1)

ABSTRACT HTLV-1 is a retrovirus that has an impact on human health due to its T-lymphocyte tropism. It occurs worldwide, but is more prevalent in tropical regions. Although most infected individuals will remain asymptomatic, the infection may manifest with complications such as uveitis, myelopathy, and leukemia, among others. The diagnosis is a chieved by the detection of anti-HTLV antibodies and a confirmatory test (Western Blot or proviral load). Although there is no specific treatment, medical treatments are aimed towards the management of secondary diseases. Three cases are described of pediatric patients diagnosed with HTLV-1 infection and associated autoimmune manifestations.

RESUMEN El virus linfotrópico humano de células T tipo I (HTLV-1) es un retrovirus que causa impacto en la salud del ser humano debido al tropismo para infectar a linfocitos T. Está distribuido mundialmente, pero es más prevalente en regiones tropicales. La mayoría de las personas afectadas permanecen asintomáticas, sin embargo, al manifestarse puede causar complicaciones como uveítis, mielopatía y leucemia, entre otras. Su diagnóstico se hace mediante la determinación de anticuerpos anti-HTLV y prueba confirmatoria (Western Blot o carga proviral). No tiene tratamiento específico, las medidas están dirigidas a la prevención y el manejo de las afecciones secundarias. Se describen tres pacientes en edad pediátrica con diagnóstico de infección por HTLV-1 y manifestaciones autoinmunes.

Evaluation of Strongyloides stercoralis infection in patients with HTLV-1 / Evaluación de la infestación por Strongyloides stercoralis en pacientes con HTLV-1

Introduction: Individuals infected with the human T-lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) may present severe and disseminated forms of Strongyloides stercoralis infection with low therapeutic response. Objective: To investigate the S. stercoralis infection and the seroprevalence of IgG anti-S. stercoralis antibodies in individuals infected with HTLV-1 attending the Reference Center for HTLV-1 (CHTLV) in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil. Materials and methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study in 178 HTLV-1-infected individuals treated at the HTLV specialized center between January, 2014, and December, 2018. The parasitological diagnosis of S. stercoralis was performed using the Hoffman, Pons and Janer, agar plate culture, and Baermann-Morais methods. The IgG anti-S. stercoralis detection was performed using an in house enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The HTLV-1 infection was diagnosed using a commercial ELISA and confirmed by Western blot. Results: The frequency of S. stercoralis infection was 3.4% (6/178). Individuals infected with S . stercoralis from rural areas (50.0%; 3/6) also showed S. stercoralis hyperinfection (>3,000 larvae/gram of feces). The frequency of circulating anti-S. stercoralis IgG antibodies was 20.8% (37/178). Conclusions: HTLV-1-infected people living in precarious sanitary conditions are more prone to develop severe forms of S. stercoralis infection. Considering the high susceptibility and unfavorable outcome of the infection in these individuals, the serological diagnosis for S. stercoralis should be considered when providing treatment.

Introducción. Los individuos infectados por el virus linfotrópico T humano tipo 1 (HTLV-1) pueden presentar formas graves y diseminadas de infestación por Strongyloides stercoralis con poca mejoría terapéutica. Objetivo. Investigar la infestación por S. stercoralis y la seroprevalencia de IgG anti-S. stercoralis en individuos infectados por HTLV-1 atendidos en el Centro de Referencia para HTLV-1 (CHTLV), en Salvador, Bahía, Brasil. Materiales y métodos. Se hizo un estudio transversal con 178 individuos infectados por HTLV-1 atendidos en el centro especializado de HTLV entre enero de 2014 y diciembre de 2018. El diagnóstico parasitológico de S. stercoralis se hizo mediante los métodos de Hoffman, Pons y Janer, cultivo en placa de agar y Baermann-Morais. Para la detección de IgG anti-S. stercoralis, se utilizó una prueba casera de inmunoabsorción ligada a enzimas (ELISA). La infección por HTLV-1 se diagnosticó usando un ELISA comercial y se confirmó mediante Western blot. Resultados. La frecuencia de infestación por S. stercoralis fue del 3,4 % (6/178). Además, los individuos infestados por S. stercoralis provenientes de la zona rural (50,0 %; 3/6) también mostraron hiperinfestación por S. stercoralis (>3.000 larvas/gramo de heces). La frecuencia de anticuerpos IgG anti-S. stercoralis fue del 20,8 % (37/178). Conclusiones. Las personas infectadas por HTLV-1 que viven en condiciones sanitarias precarias son más propensas a desarrollar formas graves de infestación por S. stercoralis. Teniendo en cuenta la gran vulnerabilidad y el resultado desfavorable de la infección en estos individuos, se debe considerar el diagnóstico serológico de S. stercoralis para administrar el tratamiento

Work ability and associated factors in people living with human T-cell leukemia virus type 1

ABSTRACT Background: Infection with the human T-lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) affects an estimated 10-15 million people worldwide. However, knowledge of the impact of HTLV-1 infection on work ability is lacking. This study aimed to measure the frequency and identify factors associated with poor work ability in patients living with HTLV-1. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 207 individuals infected with HTLV-1 who attended the University Hospital in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil. HTLV-1 antibodies were detected in the participants' blood by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and confirmed by western blotting. Participants answered a questionnaire on sociodemographic data, personal habits, clinical data, health-related quality of life, and work ability, evaluated using the work ability index questionnaire. A Poisson regression model with a robust variance estimate was used to identify the factors associated with the prevalence of poor work ability. Results: Patients mean age was 55.2, ranging from 19 to 84 years, 73.0% were females, 100% had monthly family income less than US$ 394, and 33.8% presented HTLV-1 associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP). No individual was classified as having excellent work ability. Poor work ability prevalence was strongly associated (prevalence ratio; 95% confidence interval [CI]) with sedentarism (1.30; 1.03-1.65), neurological symptoms (1.25; 1.02-1.52), and low physical (0.95; 0.94-0.96) and mental (0.98; 0.97-0.99) component summaries of health-related quality of life. Conclusions: Poor work ability among people living with HTLV-1 is associated with sedentarism, neurologic symptoms, and low health-related quality of life.

Silencioso e negligenciado: o que se sabe após quatro décadas do descobrimento do HTLV-1? / Silent and neglected: what is known after four decades of the discovery of the HTLV-1? / Silencioso y descuidado: ¿qué se sabe después de cuatro décadas del descubrimiento del HTLV-1?

O vírus linfotrópico T humano tipo 1 (HTLV-1) foi o primeiro retrovírus humano descoberto, descrito pela primeira vez há 41 anos. Esse retrovírus está associado ao desenvolvimento de duas doenças graves: a leucemia/linfoma de células T do adulto (ATLL) e a mielopatia associada ao HTLV-1/paraparesia espástica tropical (HAM/TSP). Este trabalho teve como objetivo analisar as atualizações sobre o HTLV-1, destacando os aspectos clínicos, os avanços e as limitações no tratamento e na prevenção da infecção pelo HTLV-1. Para isso, foi realizada uma revisão integrativa, por meio de coleta de dados nas plataformas PubMed, LILACS e SciELO, entre março e abril de 2021. Foram incluídos 61 artigos de diferentes países. O Brasil foi o país com maior número de publicações na área: 12. Os resultados obtidos mostram que existem avanços importantes no que diz respeito ao tratamento e à prevenção da infecção pelo HTLV-1. No entanto, a falta de estudos específicos sobre o vírus, que abordem os aspectos clínicos da infecção, foi um fator limitante para este estudo, o que reforça a necessidade de investimento em novas pesquisas sobre o tema.

The Human T-lymphotropic Virus 1 (HTLV-1) was the first human retrovirus discovered, described for the first time 41 years ago. This retrovirus is associated with the development of two serious diseases: adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATLL) and tropical spastic paraparesis/HTLV-1-associated myelopathy (HAM/TSP). This study aimed to analyze the updates about HTLV-1, highlighting the clinical aspects, advances, and limitations in the treatment and prevention of HTVL-1 infection. To this end, an integrative review was carried out, with data collection on PubMed, LILACS, and SciELO platforms, between March and April 2021. A total of 61 articles from different countries were included. Brazil was the country with the largest number of publications in the area: 12. The results showed effective advances regarding treating and preventing HTLV-1 infection. However, the lack of specific studies about the virus, which address the clinical aspects of the infection, was a limiting factor for this study, which reinforces the need for investment in new research about this topic.

El virus linfotrópico T tipo 1 humano (HTLV-1) fue el primer retrovirus humano descubierto y se describió por primera vez hace 41 años. Este retrovirus está asociado con el desarrollo de dos enfermedades graves: leucemia/linfoma de células T del adulto (ATLL) e mielopatía asociada a HTLV-1/paraparesia espástica tropical (HAM/TSP). Este estudio tuvo como objetivo analizar las actualizaciones sobre HTLV-1, destacando los aspectos clínicos, los avances y limitaciones en el tratamiento y prevención de la infección por HTLV-1. Para ello, se realizó una revisión integradora, a través de la recolección de datos en las plataformas PubMed, LILACS y SciELO entre marzo y abril de 2021. Se incluyeron 61 artículos de diferentes países. Brasil fue el país con mayor número de publicaciones en el área: 12. Los resultados obtenidos muestran que existen avances efectivos en cuanto al tratamiento y prevención de la infección por HTLV-1. Sin embargo, la falta de estudios específicos sobre el virus que aborden los aspectos clínicos de la infección fue un factor limitante para el presente estudio, lo que refuerza la necesidad de invertir en nuevas investigaciones sobre este virus.

Hiperinfección por Strongyloides stercoralis en un paciente joven con infección por HTLV-1 y colitis ulcerativa / Strongyloides stercolaris hyperinfection in a young patient with HTLV-1 infection and ulcerative colitis

Resumen La estrongiloidiasis es una infección causada por el parásito Strongyloides stercoralis (SS) y se asocia con una alta mortalidad en pacientes inmunosuprimidos debido a una diseminación larvaria y síndrome de hiperinfección. El compromiso de la mucosa gástrica es raro, pero cuando se presenta se caracteriza por sangrado digestivo y emesis persistente. A continuación, se presenta el caso de un paciente de 27 años con síntomas gastrointestinales, antecedente de infección por el virus linfotrópico humano de células T tipo 1 (HTLV-1) y colitis ulcerativa, quien desarrolló síndrome de hiperinfección por SS. Se describe la presentación clínica, diagnóstico, tratamiento y complicaciones derivadas del cuadro infeccioso.

Abstract Strongyloidiasis is an infection caused by the parasite Strongyloides stercolaris (SS) and is associated with high mortality in immunosuppressed patients due to larval spread and hyperinfection syndrome. Gastric mucosal involvement is rare, but when it occurs, it is characterized by digestive bleeding and persistent emesis. The following is the case of a 27-year-old patient with gastrointestinal symptoms, a history of HTLV-1 infection and ulcerative colitis, who developed hyperinfection syndrome with SS. The clinical presentation, diagnosis, treatment and complications arising from the infectious disease are described.

Impacto das medidas de restrição social da pandemia da COVID-19 na participação social de pessoas com HTLV-1: estudo transversal / Impact of pandemic social restriction measures of COVID-19 on the social participation of people with HTLV-1: a transversal study

| INTRODUÇÃO: O vírus linfotrópico de células T humana tipo 1 (HTLV-1) é classificado como retrovírus e pode estar diretamente associado às doenças neurológicas. Por ser uma doença negligenciada pelas autoridades sanitárias e governamentais num panorama mundial, ainda existe uma carência de evidências científicas que investigam o impacto do HTLV-1 no âmbito da participação social dessa população. OBJETIVO: Analisar o impacto da pandemia da COVID-19 na participação social de indivíduos com HTLV-1. MATERIAL E MÉTODOS: Trata-se de um estudo observacional do tipo transversal realizado com indivíduos com HTLV-1 vinculados à Associação HTLVida. A coleta de dados foi realizada através de entrevistas via videoconferência; a primeira entrevista teve como objetivo explorar as características clínicas e sociodemográficas dos participantes, já a segunda investigou a participação social dos indivíduos comparando dois períodos (antes e durante a pandemia de COVID-19), através da aplicação do Questionário de Integração na Comunidade (QIC). RESULTADOS: Foram entrevistados 11 indivíduos, com predominância do sexo feminino (72,7%), com mediana de idade de 57 (52- 66) anos. No que tange os resultados referentes à participação social avaliada pelo QIC, observou-se a manutenção do escore do domínio de integração no ambiente doméstico, uma diferença de 3.00 pontos no domínio de integração no ambiente social, uma diferença de 2.00 pontos no domínio de integração no ambiente do trabalho e escola, além de uma diferença de 6.00 pontos no escore total do QIC. CONCLUSÃO: Identificou-se uma diminuição da participação social de indivíduos com HTLV-1 durante a pandemia da COVID-19, quando comparado ao período prévio de início da pandemia.

INTRODUCTION: Human T-cell Lymphotropic Virus type 1 (HTLV-1) is classified as a retrovirus and may be directly associated with neurological diseases. As it is a disease neglected by health and governmental authorities in a world panorama, there is still a lack of scientific evidence that investigates the impact of HTLV-1 in the scope of the social participation of this population. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the social participation of individuals with HTLV-1. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This is a transversal observational study carried out with individuals with HTLV-1, linked to the HTLVida Association. The data collection was carried out through interviews in a videoconference. The first interview aimed to explore the clinical and sociodemographic characteristics of the participants. In contrast, the second one investigated the social participation of individuals comparing two periods (before and during the COVID-19 pandemic) through the application of the Community Integration Questionnaire (CIQ). RESULTS: Eleven individuals were interviewed, predominantly female (72.7%), with a median age of 57 (52-66). About the results regarding social participation evaluated by the CIQ, was observed maintenance of the score in the domain of Integration in the home environment, a difference of 3.00 points in the domain of Integration in the social environment, a difference of 2.00 points in the domain of Integration in the work and school environment, and a difference of 6.00 points in the total CIQ score. CONCLUSION: A decrease in the social participation of individuals with HTLV-1 during the COVID-19 pandemic was compared to the period before the start of the pandemic.

Clinical profile of human T-lymphotropic virus type I: a forgotten infection in pediatrics / Perfil clínico del virus linfotrópico humano tipo I: una infección olvidada en pediatría

Summary The Human T-lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1), a retrovirus with oncogenic properties, affects around ten to twenty million people worldwide. The most common disorders associated with HTLV-1 infection are T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ALT) and HTLV-1-associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP). Studies have reported other clinical manifestations in HTLV-1 seropositive patients, including inflammatory disorders, co-infections with opportunistic agents, and pulmonary diseases. Objective: Here, we aim to describe a cohort of juvenile patients with confirmed HTLV-1 infection that showed clinical manifestations other than neurological symptoms. Methodology and patients: Retrospective analysis of clinical data describing background and clinical findings of 12 juvenile patients with confirmed HTLV-1 infection, attended during January 2018 to February 2020 in a pediatric referral hospital in Cali, Colombia. Results: 11 out 12 patients were from Colombia´s Pacific coast, 10 suffered from significant nutritional deficiencies. Six exhibited dermatological findings, 3 compatible with infective dermatitis. None of the cases exhibited clinical or laboratory findings suggesting ALT or HAM/TPS. Eight patients had structural lung disease assessed by chest Computed Tomography (CT) scans; 4 of them tested positive for galactomannan antigen in bronchoalveolar fluid suggesting pulmonary aspergillosis, and 2 others exhibited a positive PCR testing for tuberculosis. Three patients were diagnosed with autoimmune disorders; 1 patient with Crohn´s Diseases, 1 case of autoimmune thrombocytopenic purpura, and a patient with Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada syndrome (non-granulomatous uveitis). Conclusions: There is a broad range of clinical manifestations in pediatric HTLV-1 patients, and the clinician should consider structural pulmonary disease, opportunistic co-infections and autoimmune disorders in the diagnostic algorithm.

Resumen El Virus Linfotrópico de células T humanas tipo 1 (HTLV-1), retrovirus con propiedades oncogénicas, afecta alrededor de 10-20 millones de personas mundialmente. Las manifestaciónes más comúnmente asociadas a HTLV-1 incluyen leucemia/linfoma de células T (ALT) y mielopatía asociada a HTLV-1/ paraparesia espástica tropical (HAM/TSP). Estudios han reportado otras manifestaciones clínicas en pacientes positivos para HTLV-1, incluyendo enfermedades inflamatorias, coinfecciones con gérmenes oportunistas y enfermedad pulmonar. Objetivo: es describir clínicamente una cohorte de pacientes pediátricos con infección por HTLV-1 confirmada que presentan manifestaciones clínicas diferentes a síntomas neurológicos. Metogolodía y pacientes: Análisis retrospectivo de historia clínica describiendo procedencia y hallazgos clínicos en 12 pacientes con infección por HTLV-1 confirmada, atendidos durante el periodo de Enero de 2018 a Febrero de 2020 en un hospital pediátrico de referencia en Cali, Colombia. Resultados: Once de 12 pacientes procedían de la costa Pacífica Colombiana, 10 con deficiencias nutricionales significativas. Seis mostraron compromiso dermatológico, 3 compatibles con dermatitis infectiva. Ningún paciente presentó hallazgos clínicos o paraclínicos sugestivos de ALT o HAM/TPS. Ocho pacientes presentaron enfermedad pulmonar estructural evidenciada por TAC de tórax; 4 de ellos con antígeno galactomanan positivo en lavado broncoalveolar, sugiriendo aspergilosis pulmonar, y otros 2 resultaron con PCR positiva para tuberculosis. Tres pacientes presentaron enfermedades autoinmunes concomitantes: uno con Enfermedad de Crohn, uno con Púrpura Trombocitopénica Autoinmune, y un paciente con Síndrome de Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada. Conclusiones: Existe un amplio rango de manifestaciones clínicas en pacientes pediátricos con HTLV-1, considerando enfermedad pulmonar estructural, coinfecciones oportunistas y enfermedades autoinmunes dentro del algoritmo diagnóstico.

HTLV-1 infection in acute t- lymphocytic leukemia/lymphoma

Adult T- lymphocyte leukemia/ lymphoma (ATLL), described by Uchiyama et al. in 1977, is a distinct neoplasia of peripheral T-lymphocytes caused by human T-cell lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1). The authors describe the case of a 75-year-old female patient who presented with fever, chills, and altered mental status. The peripheral blood morphology showed large atypical lymphocytes with multilobed nuclei and flow cytometry consistent with ATLL. The authors discuss the pathophysiology, differential diagnosis, and subtypes of ATLL in addition to the diagnostic approach using flow cytometry when bone marrow biopsy is not available and modalities of treatment.

Laboratory diagnosis of human T-lymphotropic virus in Brazil: assays, flowcharts, challenges, and perspectives

Abstract INTRODUCTION We present a data analysis and review of recent studies regarding the laboratory diagnosis of human T-lymphotropic virus 1 and 2 (HTLV-1/2) infections in Brazil. METHODS Target populations, available diagnostic serological assays (screening and complementary tests), molecular assays (in-house), causes of false-positive and false-negative results, and flowcharts were analyzed. RESULTS A table presents the target populations, two diagnostic flowcharts (depending on laboratory infrastructure and study population), and recent research that may improve how HTLV-1/2 is diagnosed in Brazil. CONCLUSIONS: Our results support the implementation of public policies to reduce HTLV-1/2 transmission and its associated diseases.

Screening and confirmatory test of HTLV in blood donors, apreliminary study / 中国输血杂志

【Objective】 To study the screening and confirmatory test of human T-lymphotropic virus(HTLV) in blood donors. 【Methods】 Anti HTLV-1 / 2 screening was conducted on voluntary blood donors from 9 cities in Fujian province betweenJan. 12016toDec. 312018.Plasma samples ofanti-HTLV-1/2 reactive donors werecollected and sent to Xiamen Blood Center for confirmatory test. The influence of different screening reagents and confirmatory test methods on the test results were analyzed. 【Results】 A total of 741 anti-HTLV-1/2 reactivesamples were collected, among which 252 were positiveby Western Blot, 15undetermined, and 474negative, withthe overall positive rate at 34.0% (252/741). The yielding rate of domestic reagent A was significantly differentbyregions, withthe highest in Ningde(73.9%, 88/119) and the lowest in Zhangzhou(4.0%, 4/99). The confirmedpositive rates of anti-HTLV-1/2 screening reagent A(domestic) and B(imported)were 33.3%(13/39) and 57.1%(56/98), respectively, and the difference was statistically significant(P5, the reagent Ayielding rate was 76.5%(13/17), significantly lower than that of imported reagent Bas 100%(56/56) (P<0.01). A total of 652 anti-HTLV-1 / 2 reactive samples were confirmed by Western Blot and nucleic acid test in parallel, among which 638 results were concordant, 14 were not, with the overall concordance rate at 97.85%. 【Conclusion】 Comparable differences in the yielding rate of twoanti-HTLV screening reagents were observed.There was over allhighconcordance, but also complementarity, between Western Blot and nucleic acid test.

HTLV prevalence among blood donors in mainland China in recent 10 years: a meta-analysis / 中国输血杂志

【Objective】 To obtain HTLV prevalence data among blood donors in mainland China through meta-analyze, and provide reference for relevant policies. 【Methods】 The literature concerning HTLV prevalence among blood donors in mainland China before April 15, 2021 in CNKI, Wanfang and Pubmed was searched. According to the inclusion criteria and exclusion criteria, relative literature within recent 10 years was screened and then analyzed by meta-analysis using R3.3. 【Results】 A total of 69 articles were included, covering 22 provincial administrative regions, with a total sample size of 7 435 501 cases. 535 cases were HTLV positive, of which 491 centred on three coastal provinces as Fujian, Guangdong and Zhejiang, and 44 scattered in 11 other provincial administrative regions. The pooled prevalence of HTLV in blood donors in Fujian, Guangdong and Zhejiang provinces were 3.25/10 000(95%CI 1.91/10 000~4.58/10 000), 0.13/10 000(95%CI 0.09/10 000~0.17/10 000) and 0.33/10 000(95%CI 0.06/10 000~0.61/10 000), respectively. Subgroup analysis showed that the pooled prevalence of HTLV in Fujian blood donors decreased since December 2015. 【Conclusion】 Blood donors in mainland China present low HTLV prevalence, mainly distributed in three coastal provinces as Fujian, Guangdong and Zhejiang. The sample size tested increased greatly since HTLV screening for blood donors was popularized nationwide in blood stations in December 2015, the infection rate of HTLV in Fujian, however, did not increase as expected.

Provirus Mutations of Human T-Lymphotropic Virus 1 and 2 (HTLV-1 and HTLV-2) in HIV-1-Coinfected Individuals

Provirus mutations of human T-lymphotropic virus 1 (HTLV-1), mostly the lack of the 5= long terminal repeat (LTR) genomic region, have been described and associated with severe adult T cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATLL), non-sense point mutations with low proviral load, and Western blotting indeterminate results. Until now, no information concerning provirus mutations of HTLV-2 and its consequences, as well as those of HTLV-1/2 in HIV-coinfected individuals, had been described. Therefore, we searched for these mutations in provirus samples of 44 HIV/HTLV-1- and 25 HIV/HTLV-2-coinfected individuals. Using protocols well established for amplification and sequencing of segments of the LTR, env, and tax regions, we searched for defective type 1 particles that retain LTRs and lack internal sequences and type 2 particles that lack the 5=LTR region. In addition, using as references the prototypes ATK (HTLV-1) and Mo (HTLV-2), we searched for point mutations in the LTR and synonyms and nonsynonymous mutations and non-sense mutations in env and tax regions. Defective HTLV-1 and HTLV-2 provirus type 1 or 2 was detected in 31.8% of HIV/HTLV-1- and 32.0% of HIV/HTLV-2-coinfected individuals. Synonymous and nonsynonymous mutations were identified mostly in HTLV-2 and associated with lower levels of specific antibodies. No non-sense mutations that resulted in premature termination of Env and Tax proteins were detected. On the contrary, mutation in the stop codon of Tax2a produced a long protein characteristic of the HTLV-2c subtype. The clinical significance of these mutations in coinfected individuals remains to be defined, but they confirmed the lower sensitivity of serological and molecular diagnostic tests in HIV/HTLV-1/2 coinfections. IMPORTANCE HTLV-1 and HTLV-2 are endemic to Brazil, and they have different effects in HIV/AIDS disease progression. HIV/HTLV-1 has been described as accelerating the progression to AIDS and death, while HIV/HTLV-2 slows the progression to AIDS. Provirus mutations of HTLV-1 were implicated in severe leukemia development and in problems in the diagnosis of HTLV-1; in contrast, provirus mutations of HTLV-2 had not been confirmed and associated with problems in HTLV-2 diagnosis or disease outcome. Nevertheless, data obtained here allowed us to recognize and understand the false-negative results in serologic and molecular tests applied for HTLV-1 and HTLV-2 diagnosis. Defective proviruses, as well as synonymous and nonsynonymous mutations, were associated with the diagnosis deficiencies. Additionally, since HIV-1 and HTLV-1 infect the same cells (CD4 positive), the production of HIV-1 pseudotypes with HTLV-1 envelope glycoprotein during HIV/HTLV-1 coinfection cannot be excluded. Defective provirus of HTLV-2 and Tax2c is speculated to influence progression to AIDS. (AU)

Influência de um protocolo de fisioterapia pélvica na função urinária e sexual de mulheres infectadas com vírus linfotrópico de células T humano tipo 1 / Influence of a pelvic physiotherapy protocol in urinary and sexual function of women infected with human T-cell lymphotropic virus type 1

Objetivo: Avaliar a influência da fisioterapia pélvica na função urinária e sexual de mulheres infectadas com HTLV-1. Métodos: Estudo quasi-experimental, com protocolo de 16 sessões em nove mulheres, que foram categorizadas em grupo sintomático e assintomático. Realizou-se teste de força muscular do assoalho pélvico com esquema PERFECT modificado, aplicou-se os questionários King's Health Questionnaire (KHQ) e Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI). O protocolo de fisioterapia pélvica consistiu em eletroestimulação do nervo tibial, eletroestimulação transvaginal e exercícios de cinesioterapia pélvica. Resultados: No grupo assintomático, segundo esquema PERFECT houve melhora da Endurance e Resistência do assoalho pélvico. No KHQ, verificou-se melhora geral no impacto da incontinência na qualidade de vida. No FSFI, houve aumento significativo no escore geral (p = 0,01), com influência nos domínios Desejo, Excitação, Lubrificação e Orgasmo. No grupo sintomático, o esquema PERFECT obteve melhora significativa em todos os domínios, assim como nos domínios de Limitação física, Sono/Energia e Medidas de Gravidade do KHQ e dos domínios de Desejo, Excitação e o Escore geral (p = 0,01) do FSFI. Conclusão: Sugere-se que o programa de fisioterapia pélvica aplicado melhorou a funcionalidade do assoalho pélvico, a qualidade de vida, reduziu os sintomas urinários e aprimorou a função sexual. (AU)

Objective: To evaluate the influence of pelvic physical therapy on the urinary and sexual function of women infected with HTLV-1. Methods: A quasi-experimental study in 16 sessions with nine women, divided into a symptomatic and asymptomatic group. The muscle strength test was performed with modified PERFECT scheme and were applied the King's Health Questionnaire (KHQ) and the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI). The protocol of pelvic physical therapy consisted of electrostimulation of the tibial nerve, transvaginal electrostimulation and pelvic kinesiotherapy exercises. Results: In the asymptomatic group, the main results in PERFECT scheme were the improvement of the endurance and pelvic floor strength. In relation to KHQ, we observed a general improvement in the impact of incontinence on quality of life. In the FSFI, there was a significant increase in the Overall Score (p = 0.01), with influence in the domains Desire, Excitation, Lubrication and Orgasm. In the symptomatic group, the PERFECT scheme obtained significant improvement in all domains. As well as in domains Physical Limitation, Sleep/Energy and Severity measures in KHQ and in domains Desire, Excitation and Overall Score (p = 0,01) of FSFI. Conclusion: The pelvic physical therapy protocol improved the pelvic floor functionality, quality of life, reduced urinary symptoms and improved the sexual function. (AU)