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Risk factors for HTLV-II infection in Peruvian men who have sex with men

Joseph R Zunt1, Alberto M La Rosa, Jesús Peinado

  • 1Department of Neurology, Center for AIDS and STD, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, USA. jzunt@u.washington.edu

The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene
|May 12, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Human T-cell lymphotropic virus type-II (HTLV-II) infection was found in Peruvian men who have sex with men (MSM). Risk factors included syphilis, HSV-2, and unprotected anal intercourse, suggesting potential sexual transmission.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Human T-cell lymphotropic virus type-II (HTLV-II) is endemic in indigenous American populations and among injection drug users (IDUs) globally.
  • Previous HTLV-II cases in Peru were limited to two indigenous individuals.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the prevalence and risk factors of HTLV-II infection in Peruvian men who have sex with men (MSM).
  • To determine if HTLV-II is emerging in non-indigenous, non-IDU populations in Peru.

Main Methods:

  • Cross-sectional study involving 2,703 Peruvian MSM.
  • Serological testing for HTLV-II infection.
  • Analysis of risk factors including STIs and sexual practices.

Main Results:

  • HTLV-II prevalence was 1.3% (35 participants).
  • Infection was significantly associated with syphilis, HSV-2 infection, unprotected receptive anal intercourse, and older age.
  • This study reports HTLV-II in a novel non-indigenous, non-IDU population in Peru.

Conclusions:

  • HTLV-II infection is present in Peruvian MSM, a population not previously studied for this virus.
  • Syphilis, HSV-2, and specific sexual behaviors are associated risk factors.
  • Further research is warranted to confirm HTLV-II as a sexually transmitted infection in this demographic.

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