ABSTRACT
Resumen La leucemia/linfoma a células T del adulto (ATLL) es una enfermedad hematológica causada por el virus linfotrópico T humano tipo 1 (HTLV-1) que se desarrolla luego de 20 años de incubación, preferencialmente cuando la infección se adquiere por transmisión vertical. Este tiempo se reduce de 3 meses a 3 años cuando la transmisión del virus es por transfusión o trasplante de órganos. La ATLL aguda es de difícil diagnóstico por ser inusual y tener una rápida progresión a la muerte. En el Noroeste argentino, donde el virus es endémico, la ATLL es más frecuente, sin embargo, también se la detecta continuamente en el resto del país. El tratamiento de elección, en primera instancia, es el uso combinado de antivirales. Presentamos un caso de ATLL aguda desarrollada en un hombre de 59 años de Santiago del Estero a partir del cual se identificó transmisión intrafamiliar de la infección por HTLV-1.
Abstract Adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATLL) is an hematological disease caused by human T-cell lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) that develops after 20 years of incubation preferentially when the infection is acquired by vertical transmission. In cases of transmission by transfusion or organ transplant, this time is reduced from 3 months to 3 years. Acute ATLL is difficult to diagnose because it is unusual and has a rapid progression to death. In the Argentine Northwest, where the virus is endemic, ATLL is more frequent, however it is also detected continuously in the rest of the country. The treatment of choice, in the first instance, is the combined use of antivirals. We present a case of acute ATLL developed in a 59-year-old man from Santiago del Estero from which intrafamilial transmission of HTLV-1 infection was identified.
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Adult , Middle Aged , Human T-lymphotropic virus 1/genetics , HTLV-I Infections/diagnosis , Leukemia-Lymphoma, Adult T-Cell/diagnosis , T-LymphocytesABSTRACT
Adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATLL) is an hematological disease caused by human T-cell lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) that develops after 20 years of incubation preferentially when the infection is acquired by vertical transmission. In cases of transmission by transfusion or organ transplant, this time is reduced from 3 months to 3 years. Acute ATLL is difficult to diagnose because it is unusual and has a rapid progression to death. In the Argentine Northwest, where the virus is endemic, ATLL is more frequent, however it is also detected continuously in the rest of the country. The treatment of choice, in the first instance, is the combined use of antivirals. We present a case of acute ATLL developed in a 59-year-old man from Santiago del Estero from which intrafamilial transmission of HTLV-1 infection was identified.
La leucemia/linfoma a células T del adulto (ATLL) es una enfermedad hematológica causada por el virus linfotrópico T humano tipo 1 (HTLV-1) que se desarrolla luego de 20 años de incubación, preferencialmente cuando la infección se adquiere por transmisión vertical. Este tiempo se reduce de 3 meses a 3 años cuando la transmisión del virus es por transfusión o trasplante de órganos. La ATLL aguda es de difícil diagnóstico por ser inusual y tener una rápida progresión a la muerte. En el Noroeste argentino, donde el virus es endémico, la ATLL es más frecuente, sin embargo, también se la detecta continuamente en el resto del país. El tratamiento de elección, en primera instancia, es el uso combinado de antivirales. Presentamos un caso de ATLL aguda desarrollada en un hombre de 59 años de Santiago del Estero a partir del cual se identificó transmisión intrafamiliar de la infección por HTLV-1.
Subject(s)
HTLV-I Infections , Human T-lymphotropic virus 1 , Leukemia-Lymphoma, Adult T-Cell , Adult , HTLV-I Infections/diagnosis , Human T-lymphotropic virus 1/genetics , Humans , Leukemia-Lymphoma, Adult T-Cell/diagnosis , Male , Middle Aged , T-LymphocytesABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Human T-cell lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) is the etiological agent of HTLV associated myelopathy/ Tropical Spastic Paraparesis (HAM/TSP) and Adult T cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATLL), in around 2-5% of the infected individuals. Host genetic background might play a role in disease progression. Several previous studies across many countries report HLA haplotype to be one such factor. Here, we sequenced HLA-A, -B and -C of 66 individuals by Sequence-Based Typing (SBT), and compared the frequency of different alleles among ATLL patients, HAM/TSP patients, asymptomatic carriers and non-infected individuals living in Argentina. RESULTS: The frequency of HLA-A, -B and -C alleles largely matched that of the general population in Argentina. We identified HLA-A*02, HLA-B*35 and HLA-C*07 as associated to protection from ATLL (p = 0.031), susceptibility to HAM/TSP (p < 0.001) and susceptibility to ATLL (p = 0.017), respectively. We also found a strong correlation between high proviral load (PVL) and disease (p = 0.008), but were unable to identify any particular allele associated with high or low PVL. CONCLUSIONS: We have found HLA-A*02, HLA-B*35 and HLA-C*07 to be associated to protection from ATLL (HLA-A*02) and susceptibility to HAM/TSP (HLA-B*35) or to ATLL (HLA-C*07), respectively. Whereas HLA-A*02 protection from ATLL has already been extensively described in other regions of the world, this is the first report that links HLA-B*35 and an increased susceptibility to HAM/TSP. As for HLA-C*07 it has previously been associated to susceptibility to HAM/TSP in other countries but in our population it has been linked to ATLL.
Subject(s)
Genetic Predisposition to Disease/genetics , HLA-B35 Antigen/genetics , HTLV-I Infections/genetics , Paraparesis, Tropical Spastic/genetics , Adolescent , Adult , Alleles , Argentina , Disease Progression , Female , Genetic Association Studies , Genetic Markers , HLA-A2 Antigen/genetics , HLA-C Antigens/genetics , HTLV-I Infections/virology , Human T-lymphotropic virus 1 , Humans , Leukemia-Lymphoma, Adult T-Cell/genetics , Leukemia-Lymphoma, Adult T-Cell/virology , Male , Middle Aged , Paraparesis, Tropical Spastic/virology , Proviruses/genetics , Viral Load , Young AdultABSTRACT
Resumen Se realizó un estudio epidemiológico molecular en una población de 9.422 donantes de sangre de la provincia de Corrientes (noreste de Argentina), con el fin de determinar la prevalencia del virus linfotrópico T del humano tipos 1 y 2 (human T-cell lymphotropic virus: HTLV-1/2), de identificar filogenéticamente a los subtipos/subgrupos de HTLV-1 y 2 encontrados y de realizar el análisis de mutaciones. Sobre la base de los resultados obtenidos, se demostró que tanto el HTLV-1 como el HTLV-2 se encuentran circulando en una población de bajo riesgo de Corrientes, si bien con una prevalencia similar a las de áreas no endémicas. Los estudios filogenéticos identificaron al subtipo Cosmopolita subgrupo Transcontinental (Aa) del HTLV-1 y al subtipo b del HTLV-2. Los donantes infectados no manifestaron antecedentes de riesgo tales como transfusiones, uso de drogas inyectables ni parejas sexuales de riesgo o seropositivas para HTLV-1/2. Estos resultados indican que estos virus fueron transmitidos de madre a hijo, posiblemente de generación en generación, y que estas cepas fueron introducidas en la población caucásica de esta región a partir de ascendientes originarios de áreas endémicas del país o por contacto producido tiempo atrás con individuos infectados de otros países. Nuestros resultados demuestran por primera vez la presencia de HTLV-1 y HTLV-2 en la provincia de Corrientes. Y si bien se puede considerar a esta provincia como área no endémica, se destaca la necesidad de incluir a estos retrovirus en un programa nacional de salud pública, con el fin de contar con profesionales capacitados para realizar su diagnóstico y brindar la información necesaria en relación con la atención primaria y el seguimiento de los pacientes.
Abstract A molecular epidemiological study was conducted in a population of 9422 blood donors in the province of Corrientes, Northeastern Argentina, to determine the prevalence of Human T-cell lymphotropic virus types 1 and 2 (HTLV-1/2), the phylogenetic identification of HTLV-1 and 2 subtypes/subgroups and perform a mutation analysis. Based on the results obtained, it was shown that both HTLV-1 and HTLV-2 are circulating in a low-risk population of Corrientes, although with a similar prevalence to that of non-endemic areas. Phylogenetic studies identified the HTLV-1 Cosmopolitan subtype Transcontinental subgroup (Aa), and the HTLV-2 subtype b. Infected donors reported neither a history of risk factors such as transfusions, intravenous drug use, nor risky or HTLV-1/2 seropositive sexual partners. These results suggest that these viruses were transmitted from mother to child, possibly from generation to generation, and that these strains were introduced into the Caucasian population of this region from ancestors originating from endemic areas of the country either from or through contact with individuals from other countries years ago. Our results demonstrate for the first time the presence of HTLV-1 and HTLV-2 in the province of Corrientes. Moreover, although the province can be considered a non-endemic area, the need to include these retroviruses in a national Public Health program is highlighted, in order to have qualified professionals duly trained to make their diagnosis and provide the necessary information in relation to primary care and patient follow-up.
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Female , Human T-lymphotropic virus 1/genetics , Human T-lymphotropic virus 2/genetics , Argentina/epidemiology , Blood Donors , DNA Mutational Analysis/methods , Epidemiologic Studies , PrevalenceABSTRACT
Interferon alpha (IFNα) is a protein drug used to treat viral infections and cancer diseases. Due to its poor stability in the gastrointestinal tract, only parenteral administration ensures bioavailability, which is associated with severe side effects. We hypothesized that the nanoencapsulation of IFNα within nanoparticles of the mucoadhesive polysaccharide chitosan would improve the oral bioavailability of this drug. In this work, we produced IFNα-loaded chitosan nanoparticles by the ionotropic gelation method. Their hydrodynamic diameter, polydispersity index and concentration were characterized by dynamic light scattering and nanoparticle tracking analysis. After confirming their good cell compatibility in Caco-2 and WISH cells, the permeability of unmodified and poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)-modified (PEGylated) nanoparticles was measured in monoculture (Caco-2) and co-culture (Caco-2/HT29-MTX) cell monolayers. Results indicated that the nanoparticles cross the intestinal epithelium mainly by the paracellular route. Finally, the study of the oral pharmacokinetics of nanoencapsulated IFNα in BalbC mice revealed two maxima and area-under-the-curve of 56.9 pg*h/mL.
ABSTRACT
A molecular epidemiological study was conducted in a population of 9422 blood donors in the province of Corrientes, Northeastern Argentina, to determine the prevalence of Human T-cell lymphotropic virus types 1 and 2 (HTLV-1/2), the phylogenetic identification of HTLV-1 and 2 subtypes/subgroups and perform a mutation analysis. Based on the results obtained, it was shown that both HTLV-1 and HTLV-2 are circulating in a low-risk population of Corrientes, although with a similar prevalence to that of non-endemic areas. Phylogenetic studies identified the HTLV-1 Cosmopolitan subtype Transcontinental subgroup (Aa), and the HTLV-2 subtype b. Infected donors reported neither a history of risk factors such as transfusions, intravenous drug use, nor risky or HTLV-1/2 seropositive sexual partners. These results suggest that these viruses were transmitted from mother to child, possibly from generation to generation, and that these strains were introduced into the Caucasian population of this region from ancestors originating from endemic areas of the country either from or through contact with individuals from other countries years ago. Our results demonstrate for the first time the presence of HTLV-1 and HTLV-2 in the province of Corrientes. Moreover, although the province can be considered a non-endemic area, the need to include these retroviruses in a national Public Health program is highlighted, in order to have qualified professionals duly trained to make their diagnosis and provide the necessary information in relation to primary care and patient follow-up.
Subject(s)
Blood Donors , Blood/virology , Human T-lymphotropic virus 1/isolation & purification , Human T-lymphotropic virus 2/isolation & purification , Adolescent , Adult , Aged , Argentina/epidemiology , Female , HTLV-I Infections/blood , HTLV-I Infections/epidemiology , HTLV-II Infections/blood , HTLV-II Infections/epidemiology , Human T-lymphotropic virus 1/classification , Human T-lymphotropic virus 1/genetics , Human T-lymphotropic virus 2/classification , Human T-lymphotropic virus 2/genetics , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Molecular Epidemiology , Young AdultABSTRACT
The objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence of Treponema pallidum, Trypanosoma cruzi and Human immunodeficiency virus 1 (HIV-1) in five Amerindian populations of Argentina. A retrospective study was conducted among 857 Amerindian populations (112 Kollas, 298 Mbyá-guaraníes, 79 Sagua Huarpes, 368 Wichis) from 2007 to 2010. Screening and confirmation of T. pallidum, T. cruzi and HIV-1 were performed. T. pallidum and T. cruzi infections were detected in all communities with an overall prevalence rate of 4.2% and 16.8%, respectively. Although HIV was not detected, syphilis and Chagas' disease represent a challenge for the health care system and the reinforcement of public health strategies is necessary considering the socioeconomic isolation of these populations.
El objetivo de este trabajo fue estimar la prevalencia de Treponema pallidum, Trypanosoma cruzi y virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana (HIV-1) en 5 comunidades originarias de Argentina. Para ello, se realizó un estudio retrospectivo en 857 individuos (112 kollas, 298 mbyá-guaraníes, 79 sagua huarpes, 368 wichis) desde el 2007 hasta el 2010. Se realizó el diagnóstico completo para T. pallidum, T. cruzi y HIV-1. En todas las comunidades se confirmaron infecciones por T. pallidum y T. cruzi con una prevalencia total del 4,2 y del 16,8%, respectivamente. Aunque no se detectó HIV-1, sífilis y Chagas, representan un desafío para el sistema de salud, teniendo que reforzarse las estrategias de salud pública teniendo en cuenta el aislamiento socio-económico que sufren estas poblaciones.
Subject(s)
Humans , Indians, South American , Syphilis , HIV Infections , Chagas Disease , Argentina , Treponema pallidum/isolation & purification , Trypanosoma cruzi/isolation & purification , Syphilis/ethnology , Syphilis/therapy , HIV Infections/ethnology , HIV Infections/therapy , Retrospective Studies , HIV-1 , Chagas Disease/ethnology , Chagas Disease/therapyABSTRACT
Despite the good clinical efficacy of interferon-alpha (IFNα) to treat some types of cancer and viral infections, this biological drug is underused given its severe adverse effects and high dosing parenteral regimens. Aiming to achieve a breakthrough in therapy with IFNα, this work reports for the first time on the design and full characterization of a novel nanomedicine of IFNα-2b-loaded chitosan nanoparticles (IFN-CT NPs) for oral delivery. IFN-CT NPs produced by ionotropic gelation, encapsulating approximately 100% of the drug, showed a size of 36 ± 8 nm, zeta potential of +30 mV (dynamic light scattering), and spherical morphology (transmission electron microscopy). The antiviral activity of IFN-CT NPs in vitro was comparable to that of commercial IFNα. Remarkably, both treatments stimulated the expression of IFN response genes to a similar extent in both noninfected and infected cells with Human Lymphotropic-T Virus type 1. Finally, oral administration of IFN-CT NPs (0.3 MIU) to CF1 mice showed detectable levels of IFNα in plasma after 1 h, whereas no IFNα was detected with a commercial formulation. These results are encouraging and open a new avenue for the administration of this biological drug in a minimally invasive, safer, and more patient-compliant way.
Subject(s)
Chitosan/analogs & derivatives , Drug Delivery Systems , Interferon-alpha/administration & dosage , Nanoparticles/chemistry , Administration, Oral , Animals , Cattle , Cell Line , Cells, Cultured , Female , Humans , Interferon-alpha/blood , MiceABSTRACT
The objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence of Treponema pallidum, Trypanosoma cruzi and Human immunodeficiency virus 1 (HIV-1) in five Amerindian populations of Argentina. A retrospective study was conducted among 857 Amerindian populations (112 Kollas, 298 Mbyá-guaraníes, 79 Sagua Huarpes, 368 Wichis) from 2007 to 2010. Screening and confirmation of T. pallidum, T. cruzi and HIV-1 were performed. T. pallidum and T. cruzi infections were detected in all communities with an overall prevalence rate of 4.2% and 16.8%, respectively. Although HIV was not detected, syphilis and Chagas' disease represent a challenge for the health care system and the reinforcement of public health strategies is necessary considering the socioeconomic isolation of these populations.
Subject(s)
Chagas Disease , HIV Infections , Indians, South American , Syphilis , Argentina , Chagas Disease/ethnology , Chagas Disease/therapy , HIV Infections/ethnology , HIV Infections/therapy , HIV-1 , Humans , Retrospective Studies , Syphilis/ethnology , Syphilis/therapy , Treponema pallidum/isolation & purification , Trypanosoma cruzi/isolation & purificationABSTRACT
El virus linfotrópicos-T humanos tipo 1 (HTLV-1) es el agente etiológico de una enfermedad hematológica de mal pronóstico, la leucemia de células T del adulto (ATL) y de una enfermedad neurológica invalidante, la mielopatía asociada al HTLV-1/paraparesia espástica tropical (HAM/TSP) para las cuales no existe un tratamiento eficaz. El virus linfotrópico-T humano tipo 2 (HTLV-2) ha sido relacionado a síndromes neurológicos, aumento de infecciones y mortalidad. En Argentina, existe una restricción étnica/geográfica con una región endémica para el HTLV-1 en el Noroeste (Aymarás) y otra para el HTLV-2 en la Región Chaqueña (Tobas y Wichis). El aumento de corrientes migratorias a partir de áreas endémicas ha contribuido a la mayor circulación de estos virus en el país, hecho que plantea el desafío de poder brindar un diagnóstico final y una atención integral a los individuos. Este manuscrito comprende una revisión actualizada y la experiencia de nuestro grupo sobre estas infecciones...
HTLV-1 is the ethiologic agent of an hematologic disease with bad prognosis, Adult T-cell Leukemia (ATL) lethal in short time and a chronic and progressively invalidant neurological disease, HTLV-1 Associated Mielopathy/Tropical Spastic Paraparesis (HAM/TSP), for which no effective treatment is available. HTLV-2 has been related to neurologic syndromes, an increase in infections and mortality. In Argentina, the infection shows an ethnic/geographic restriction with an endemic regions for HTLV-1 in the Northeast (Aymaras) and for HTLV-2 in the Chaqueña Region (Tobas y Wichis). The increasing migrations from endemic areas have contributed to a major circulatin of these viruses and detection of HAM/TSP and ATL cases countrywide. This situation poses the challenge of giving a complete and final diagnosis and an integral care to infected individuals. This manuscript describes general aspects of HTLV-1/2 and the situation and experience of our group on these infections in the country...
Subject(s)
Humans , Blotting, Western , Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay , Endemic Diseases/prevention & control , Hematologic Diseases/etiology , Spinal Cord Diseases/immunology , Opportunistic Infections/epidemiology , Paraparesis, Tropical Spastic/pathology , Serologic Tests , Human T-lymphotropic virus 1/immunology , /immunologyABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence of human T cell lymphotropic virus (HTLV)-1/2, HIV-1, hepatitis B virus (HBV), Trypanosoma cruzi, Treponema pallidum and Toxoplasma gondii infections and to identify the subtypes/subgroups of HTLV-1/2 among pregnant women (PW) from non-endemic provinces of Argentina. METHODS: Methods A total of 2403 samples were screened for HTLV-1/2 and confirmed by western blot and PCR. The long terminal repeat (LTR) of HTLV-1 and HTLV-2 were amplified. Phylogenetic analysis was performed by Neighbour Joining by using molecular evolutionary genetics analysis (MEGA) 4.0. RESULTS: Among a total of 2403 PW studied, 6 (0.25%) tested positive for HTLV-1/2 (3 HTLV-1 (0.12%) and 3 HTLV-2 (0.12%)). The total prevalence when distributed by province was 0.3% (3/804) for Buenos Aires (BA), 0.4% (1/241) for BA surroundings, 0.1% (1/707) for Neuquen and 1.0% (1/95) for Ushuaia. In San Juan, no PW were HTLV-1/2 positive. The prevalence was similar when compared with rates among blood donors of the same areas and years. The phylogenetic analysis classified one sequence as HTLV-1 aA and one as HTLV-2b. The prevalence of HIV-1, HBV, T cruzi, T pallidum and T gondii was 0.6%, 0.2%, 1.4%, 1.2% and 20.9%, respectively. One case of HTLV-1/HIV-1 and one of HTLV-2/HIV-1 co-infection were detected. CONCLUSIONS: HTLV-1/2, which have been associated with different diseases, are circulating among PW of Argentina, even in non-endemic areas. Therefore, testing should be recommended in women who have risk factors for these infections given that the majority of HTLV-1/2 mother to child transmission can be prevented by the avoidance of breast feeding.
Subject(s)
HTLV-I Infections/epidemiology , HTLV-II Infections/epidemiology , Infectious Disease Transmission, Vertical/statistics & numerical data , Pregnancy Complications, Infectious/epidemiology , Adult , Argentina/epidemiology , Breast Feeding/adverse effects , Female , HIV-1/pathogenicity , HTLV-I Infections/transmission , HTLV-II Infections/transmission , Herpesvirus 6, Human/pathogenicity , Human T-lymphotropic virus 1/pathogenicity , Human T-lymphotropic virus 2/pathogenicity , Humans , Infectious Disease Transmission, Vertical/prevention & control , Phylogeny , Pregnancy , Pregnancy Complications, Infectious/prevention & control , Prevalence , Risk FactorsABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Guidelines suggest that all HBsAg-positive patients should be tested for anti-HDV IgG antibodies and to confirm active hepatitis D virus (HDV) infection by detection of HDV RNA by reverse transcriptase (RT) polymerase chain reaction (PCR). OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine the serological prevalence and molecular features of HDV within an Amerindian community from Argentina exhibiting positivity for HBsAg and/or anti-HBc total Ig. STUDY DESIGN: Forty-six plasma samples were tested for the detection of total anti-HDV antibodies by ELISA. Concomitantly, a partial RNA region coding for the delta antigen (HDAg) was amplified by RT-nested PCR (RT-nPCR). In silica translation of DNA sequences into the amino acid (aa) sequence of HDAg-S (aa110-195) and HDAg-L (aa110-214) was performed. RESULTS: Out of 46 HDV non-reactive samples by ELISA, 3 were HDV RNA positive by RT-nPCR. These samples were anti-HBc-only positive, 2 of them identified as cases of occult hepatitis B infection (OBI). The 3 cases were HBeAg-negative and showed normal ALT/AST levels. All sequences were ascribed to HDV genotype 1, but exhibited nucleotide differences in HDAg-L coding region, among which, mutations at codons 197 and 201 - reportedly known to promote in vitro an unsuitable interaction with HBsAg - were observed. CONCLUSIONS: These results provide evidence of covert HDV infection even among OBI, highlighting the need to reevaluate the currently applied guidelines for HDV diagnostic algorithms, as well as to explore if the observed mutations promote any effect on HDV pathogenesis.
Subject(s)
Hepatitis B/complications , Hepatitis Delta Virus/genetics , Hepatitis delta Antigens/blood , Hepatitis delta Antigens/genetics , Adolescent , Adult , Aged , Argentina , Asymptomatic Diseases , Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay , Female , Genotype , Hepatitis Antibodies/blood , Humans , Immunoglobulin G/blood , Indians, South American , Male , Middle Aged , Molecular Sequence Data , RNA, Viral/genetics , Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction , Sequence Analysis, DNA , Seroepidemiologic Studies , Young AdultABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Hepatitis B virus infection is frequent among Amerindians. In Argentina HBV genotypes A, B, C, D, E, F and H were described in different populations, while some cases of occult hepatitis B infection (OBI) were reported in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) coinfected patients. OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence, genetic diversity of HBV and to analyze the deduced amino acid sequence of both S and viral polymerase (P) genes among Amerindians of Argentina. STUDY DESIGN: A cross-sectional study including 561 individuals belonging to distinct ethnic groups, the Mbyá-guaraní (MG), the Kolla (K), the Sagua-Huarpe (SH) and the Wichi (W) was performed. RESULTS: The prevalence of HBsAg was 1.7% and 1.4% for the MG and SH, respectively, while anti-HBc was detected in all communities. HBV DNA of S/P and preCore-Core genomic regions were amplified by nested polymerase chain reaction in 59 reactive samples for anti-HBc total Ig and/or HBsAg. Of them, thirteen exhibited detectable HBV DNA, eleven of which were identified as OBI. Genotype F was predominant in the MG community with co-circulation of subgenotypes F4, F1b, A2 and D3, while subgenotype C2 prevailed within the SH community. All cases exhibited the polymorphism rtL217R within the RT domain associated to resistance to adefovir. Mutations rtD206E and rtV207I associated with lamivudine resistance were found in two MG and three SH respectively. Other new substitutions were described within the P sequence. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows for the first time the predominance of OBI, HBV subgenotypes and natural variants in Amerindians from Argentina.
Subject(s)
DNA, Viral/blood , Hepatitis B virus/classification , Hepatitis B virus/genetics , Hepatitis B/virology , Adolescent , Adult , Aged , Argentina , Cluster Analysis , Cross-Sectional Studies , DNA, Viral/chemistry , DNA, Viral/genetics , DNA, Viral/isolation & purification , Female , Genetic Variation , Genotype , Hepatitis B virus/isolation & purification , Humans , Indians, South American , Male , Middle Aged , Molecular Sequence Data , Sequence Analysis, DNA , Viral Proteins/genetics , Young AdultABSTRACT
Human T-lymphotropic virus subtype b (HTLV-2b) infection has been described among aborigines from Northern Argentina, while HTLV-2a has been described in an injecting drug user (IDU) from a Central region, similar to the situation in Spain, the United States, and Brazil. In this study, 22 of the 26 strains analyzed from blood donors and HIV-1(+) individuals were HTLV-2b (84.6%) clustering with Amerindian references, while 4 HIV-1(+) (15.4%) were HTLV-2a. HTLV-2a sequences were closely related to Brazilian references in contrast to the previous Argentinean IDU strain that clustered with Africans and Amerindians from North America. In summary, these findings show that HTLV-2b is the major strain circulating in an urban population of Argentina. HTLV-2a/b could have been introduced from endemic South American countries such as Brazil and because of contact with other populations such as IDUs from Europe despite its introduction due to the increasing internal migration of aborigines to large urban centers. Considering this results and recent data about the dissemination of HTLV-1 in residents of Buenos Aires city, new studies among non-at-risk groups for HTLV-1/2 infection should be performed.
Subject(s)
Blood Donors/statistics & numerical data , HIV Seropositivity/epidemiology , HTLV-II Infections/epidemiology , Human T-lymphotropic virus 2/genetics , Phylogeny , Substance Abuse, Intravenous/epidemiology , Urban Population/statistics & numerical data , Adult , Argentina/epidemiology , Base Sequence , Cluster Analysis , Female , HIV Seropositivity/ethnology , HTLV-II Infections/ethnology , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Molecular Sequence Data , Polymerase Chain Reaction , Sequence Analysis, DNA , Substance Abuse, Intravenous/ethnology , Terminal Repeat Sequences/geneticsABSTRACT
Jujuy province, in Northwest Argentina, is known to be endemic for HTLV-1 infection. Moreover, foci of HTLV-1 associated pathologies have also been described in this region. To gain an insight into the current situation of HTLV-1/2 in this endemic area, a seroprevalence and phylogenetic study was performed among a Kolla community from Abra Pampa city and surroundings. Out of 112 individuals, 11 (9.8%) were confirmed as HTLV-1 positive and no HTLV-2 infection was detected. The phylogenetic analysis of the LTR region showed that all the HTLV-1 sequences belonged to the Cosmopolitan subtype a/transcontinental subgroup A, and were closely related to reference sequences from Peru, Argentina, and the South of Brazil (P = 0.82). Considering the cultural and historical features of this community and in spite of the mandatory detection of anti-HTLV-1/2 antibodies in blood banks since 2005, it would be important to implement new public health measures focused on decreasing HTLV-1 transmission in this endemic area.
Subject(s)
Endemic Diseases , HTLV-I Infections/ethnology , HTLV-I Infections/epidemiology , Human T-lymphotropic virus 1/genetics , Indians, South American , Adult , Aged, 80 and over , Antibodies, Viral/blood , Argentina/epidemiology , Argentina/ethnology , Female , Genotype , HTLV-I Infections/virology , HTLV-II Infections/epidemiology , HTLV-II Infections/ethnology , HTLV-II Infections/virology , Human T-lymphotropic virus 1/classification , Human T-lymphotropic virus 1/immunology , Human T-lymphotropic virus 1/isolation & purification , Human T-lymphotropic virus 2/classification , Human T-lymphotropic virus 2/genetics , Human T-lymphotropic virus 2/immunology , Human T-lymphotropic virus 2/isolation & purification , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Phylogeny , Sequence Analysis, DNA , Seroepidemiologic StudiesABSTRACT
Human T-cell Lymphotropic viruses type 1 (HTLV-1), the first human oncoretrovirus to be discovered, is the etiologic agent of Adult T-cell Leukemia (ATL) and HTLV-1 Associated Mielopathy or Tropical Spastic Paraparesis (HAM/TSP). It is endemic worldwide, including the North of Argentina where both associated diseases have also been detected. No etiologic role has been described for HTLV-2, although it has been associated with HAM/TSP-like neurologic syndromes. Both retroviruses are endemic in native populations of The Americas, Africa and at-risk populations. They are transmitted through sex contact, parenterally and from mother to child. The aim of this study was to estimate the seroprevalence of HTLV-1/2 in a blood donor population from Misiones province. A total of 6912 accepted blood donations in 2008 were analyzed. HTLV-1/2 screening was performed with ELISA and particle agglutination, and reactive samples were confirmed by Western Blot. From the total, 5 samples resulted seropositive with a final prevalence of 0.00072. Out of the 5 positive samples, one was an HTLV, three HTLV-1 and one HTLV-2. These blood donors were residents of Posadas, Eldorado and Oberá, with no risk antecedents. This study demonstrates the presence of HTLV-1/2 in a population of Misiones with a prevalence rate similar to those reported among blood donors from non-endemic areas.
Subject(s)
Blood Donors/statistics & numerical data , HTLV-I Infections/epidemiology , HTLV-II Infections/epidemiology , Adult , Argentina/epidemiology , Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay , Female , HTLV-I Infections/blood , HTLV-II Infections/blood , Human T-lymphotropic virus 1/isolation & purification , Human T-lymphotropic virus 2/isolation & purification , Humans , Male , Seroepidemiologic StudiesABSTRACT
In Argentina, current procedures to ensure safety of the blood supply for transfusion include reviewing the records of blood donors with particular attention to the serologic detection of specific blood borne infections. Data of 28,483 blood donations received from January 1, 2003 to December 31, 2008 in a public hospital in Buenos Aires were analyzed. Of the 28,483 blood donations, 7,442 (26.1%) were female donors, 14,582 (51.2%) were younger than 35 years old, and 23,746 (83.4%) were Argentine. Among all, only 285 (1.0%) were voluntary donations. The prevalence of HTLV-1/2 was 0.1% (95% CI 0.063-0.15), being 0.07% for HTLV-1 and 0.03% for HTLV-2. The prevalence of HIV-1 was 0.2% (95% CI 0.110-0.206). No HIV-1/HTLV-1/2 co-infections were detected among volunteer donors. During this study period, data confirm that HTLV-1/2 infection was not endemic in Buenos Aires, and that the prevalence of HTLV-1/2 decreased throughout while HIV-1 was stable. Due to the small number of voluntary donations, we could not conduct comparisons to infection rates in replacement donations. Although there have been several ongoing programs aimed at recruiting voluntary blood donations and changing from mostly replacement donations to an altruistic system of blood donations, Argentina is still far from reaching this objective. Additional efforts are needed in order to increase and assure the quality of blood supply in this country.
Subject(s)
HIV Infections/epidemiology , HTLV-I Infections/epidemiology , HTLV-II Infections/epidemiology , Adult , Animals , Argentina/epidemiology , Blood Donors , Comorbidity , Female , Humans , Male , Prevalence , Young AdultABSTRACT
El Virus Linfotrópico T Humano tipo 1 (HTLV-1), primer oncorretrovirus humano descubierto, es el causante etiológico de la leucemia de células T del adulto (ATL) y de la mielopatía asociada al HTLV-1 o paraparesia espástica tropical (HAM/TSP). Es endémico en distintas partes del mundo, inclusive en el noroeste argentino, donde ambas enfermedades fueron detectadas. El HTLV-2, no tiene un rol etiológico definido, si bien ha sido asociado con síndromes neurológicos similares a la HAM/TSP. Ambos virus son endémicos en comunidades originarias del continente americano, tribus de Africa y poblaciones en riesgo. Ambos retrovirus se transmiten por vía sexual, parenteral y de madre a hijo. El objetivo de este trabajo fue determinar la seroprevalencia de HTLV-1/2 en una población de donantes de sangre de la provincia de Misiones. Se analizaron 6912 donaciones de sangre recibidas en el Banco de Sangre Central de la Provincia de Misiones durante 2008. La detección de anticuerpos se realizó por ELISA y aglutinación de partículas, y las muestras reactivas fueron confirmadas por Western Blot. Del total de muestras, 5 resultaron seropositivas con una prevalencia final de 0.00072. De ellas, una era HTLV, tres HTLV-1 y una HTLV-2 positiva. Los donantes positivos provenían de Posadas, Eldorado y Oberá, sin antecedentes de riesgo. Este estudio demuestra la presencia de HTLV-1/2 en donantes de sangre de Misiones, con cifras similares a las notificadas en donantes de sangre de zonas no endémicas.
Human T-cell Lymphotropic viruses type 1 (HTLV-1), the first human oncoretrovirus to be discovered, is the etiologic agent of Adult T-cell Leukemia (ATL) and HTLV-1 Associated Mielopathy or Tropical Spastic Paraparesis (HAM/TSP). It is endemic worldwide, including the North of Argentina where both associated diseases have also been detected. No etiologic role has been described for HTLV-2, although it has been associated with HAM/TSP-like neurologic syndromes. Both retroviruses are endemic in native populations of The Americas, Africa and at-risk populations. They are transmitted through sex contact, parenterally and from mother to child. The aim of this study was to estimate the seroprevalence of HTLV-1/2 in a blood donor population from Misiones province. A total of 6912 accepted blood donations in 2008 were analyzed. HTLV-1/2 screening was performed with ELISA and particle agglutination, and reactive samples were confirmed by Western Blot. From the total, 5 samples resulted seropositive with a final prevalence of 0.00072. Out of the 5 positive samples, one was an HTLV, three HTLV-1 and one HTLV-2. These blood donors were residents of Posadas, Eldorado and Oberá, with no risk antecedents. This study demonstrates the presence of HTLV-1/2 in a population of Misiones with a prevalence rate similar to those reported among blood donors from non-endemic areas.
Subject(s)
Adult , Female , Humans , Male , Blood Donors/statistics & numerical data , HTLV-I Infections/epidemiology , HTLV-II Infections/epidemiology , Argentina/epidemiology , Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay , HTLV-I Infections/blood , HTLV-II Infections/blood , Human T-lymphotropic virus 1/isolation & purification , /isolation & purification , Seroepidemiologic StudiesABSTRACT
El virus linfotrópico T-humano tipo 1 (HTLV-1), primer oncoretrovirus humano descubierto, es el agente etiológico de la Leucemia de Células T del Adulto (ATL) y de la Mielopatía Asociada al HTLV-1 o Paraparesia Espástica Tropical (HAM/TSP). El HTLV-2, no tiene un rol etiológico definido, si bien se lo ha asociado con síndromes neurológicos similares a la HAM/TSP. En Argentina, la detección de anticuerpos para HTLV-1/2 en donantes de sangre es obligatoria desde noviembre de 2005 (resolución 865/2006 del Ministerio de Salud y Ambiente), si bien fue recomendada por la Asociación Argentina de Hemoterapia e Inmunohematología desde el año 1997. Uno de los problemas que se presenta en nuestro país, es la notificación de resultados de esta infección y las dificultades que debe afrontar el médico para brindar la información correcta. En este trabajo se presenta una visión general sobre estos retrovirus, y en especial se brinda información sobre diagnóstico, patogenia y las conductas a seguir por los profesionales de la salud ante la necesidad de informar resultados basados únicamente en pruebas de tamizaje o con serología positiva para HTLV1/2. Para el mismo, nos hemos basado en las recomendaciones y lineamientos elaborados por los Centros de Control de Enfermedades (CDC) y Prevención y el grupo de trabajo del Servicio de Salud Pública de Estados Unidos (USPHS Working Group) dirigidas a las personas infectadas y a trabajadores de la salud e instituciones oficiales de salud pública.
Human T-celllymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1), the first human oncoretrovirus discovered, is the ethiologic agent of Adult T-cell Leukimia (ATL) and HTLV-1 Associated Mielopathy o Tropical Spastic Paraparesis (HAM/TSP). HTLV-2, has not a defined ethiopathology, although it has been associated to neurologic syndroms similar to HAM/TSP Screening for HTLV-1/2 antibodies in blood donors is mandatory since 2005 (Resolution 865/2006 of the Ministry of Health, Argentina) although it has been recomended by the Hemotherapy and Immunehemathology Association since 1997. One of the problems in our country is the notification of the results and the difficulties encountered by the medical doctor in order to provide the appropriate information. In this study, we provide an outlook of these retroviruses, and especially we give information about diagnosis, pathogenesis and guidelines for health professionals when HTLV-1/2 positive serology needs to be notified. We based these recommendations on the guidelines elaborated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the working group of the US Public Health Service (USPHS Working Group) directed to infected people and to health workers and official institutions of public health.
