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HTLV-1 is the name of a relatively unknown virus. It's hard to believe, since HTLV-1 can trigger a severe form of cancer. However, the virus was discovered at a time when scientific interest was a much more urgent issue: HIV research. Today, the virus has spread almost unnoticed in some parts of the world – there is no vaccine or cure. Read here what we know about HTLV-1 infection and its transmission
What is HTLV-1?
The abbreviation HTLV stands for Human T-lymphotropic Virus. It is a retrovirus said a virus capable of modifying its own genetic material so that it can integrate into the DNA of its host and thus modify its genetic material. Therefore, it can cause cancer, for example
The term HTLV is used to describe various types of closely related viruses. HTLV-1 (also: HTLV-I or human T-lymphotropic virus 1) is type 1, the first and most important form. Previously, the term "human T-cell leukemia virus type 1" was also used
HTLV-1: unknown and unexplored
HTLV-1 was discovered in 1980 by researcher Robert Gallo and his team. This discovery was a sensation because previously no retroviruses were known in humans.
Shortly after, however, the human immunodeficiency virus HIV, which causes AIDS, is discovered. This HTLV-1-related retrovirus was originally called HTLV-3 and quickly slipped into the field of science because of the rapidly growing distribution. Research on HTLV-1 has been pushed back in the background and almost forgotten – as a result, the virus is not even known to many today.
What is the danger of HTLV-1?
Many people infected with HTLV-1 not even its infection because in most cases this causes no symptoms. But for about ten percent of people affected, the infection takes a difficult course:
- The virus is considered one of the possible triggers of a specific form of blood cancer. In about five percent of those affected, adult T-cell leukemia (ATL) is a tumor with a very low life expectancy.
- About three percent of infected persons develop tropical spastic paresis (also: HTLV-1-badociated myelopathy). This is a neurological-degenerative disease of the spinal cord.
- In addition, a study has shown that many people suffer from bronchiectasis a pathological enlargement of the bronchi. The question of whether HTLV-1 is really responsible for this lung disease still needs to be clarified.
- Other possible consequences: inflammation of the skin (dermatitis), eyes (uveitis), joints (arthritis) and muscles (Myositis) as well as weakening of the immune system.
Many people carry the virus for several decades before the symptoms of a disease occur.
Transmission of the virus
HTLV, such as HIV, mainly transmitted through badual intercourse – Scientists suspect that this route of transmission is about 80 percent of the time. However, the transfer of a mother to her child via bad milk is just as possible as infection by blood transfusion (blood plasma is not considered infectious) or transplantation. ; organ.
The use of syringes among drug addicts is also a possible route of transmission.
Diagnosis and Treatment of HTLV-1 Infection
Once in the body, the virus stays there for life. The diagnosis is based on a blood test: If the test indicates antibodies (IgG – immunoglobin G) to HTLV-1, this serves as proof that the virus is present in the body. This is what is known as positive HTLV-1 serology.
There is currently no cure for the viral infection. The therapy is exclusively for the treatment of the above-mentioned secondary diseases.
How can we protect ourselves?
There is no vaccine against HTLV-1. Similar to HIV, the use of condoms helps prevent transmission through badual intercourse.
Infected mothers should refrain from badfeeding their children – in Japan, so that the number of new infections could be significantly reduced. In addition, infected persons should not donate blood, semen, organs or other tissues.
Spread of the virus
Type 1 human T-lymphotropic virus hardly appears in Europe – with the exception of Great Britain. In Australia, it is more common, especially among Aborigines, that it is prevalent: A study among Australian Aborigines in 2016 showed that almost all second males, who were over 50, the virus in itself.
The endemic areas also include:
- the south of Japan
- the Caribbean
- Iran
- parts of Africa
- some areas of South America (eg Brazil)
- United States (being here HTLV-2 plays a major role and is particularly prevalent in some populations)
How many people are infected?
It is estimated that between 10 and 20 million people worldwide are currently infected with the virus – women are usually affected more frequently. How many cancers each year is due to HTLV-1 is controversial. Estimates rise to 3,000 to 10,000 diseases worldwide per year.
In Germany, the infection is diagnosed only in a few people. However, because of its low prevalence, the virus test is not standard in humans, blood transfusions or donor organs, which means that no usable data is available. However, the risk of infection is considered low
Other types of HTLV
Besides HTLV-1, there are other types of human T-lymphotrope virus.
HTLV-2 (also: HTLV-II) was also discovered by the research group around Robert Gallo. The role of the virus in the development of human diseases is still unknown. The number of infections is also significantly lower than in HTLV-1, which is why this type of virus is less important.
HTLV-3 was originally the name of the HI virus, but in this context is no longer used. Today, HTLV-3 (or: HTLV-III) and HTLV-4 (also: HTLV-IV) are two viruses closely related to HTLV-1 and 2 which are known in the art. 2005 in Cameroon were discovered. Until now, nothing is known about the spread and potential of these viruses.
Update: 13.07.2018
– Author: Silke Hamann
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