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Phylogenetic analysis of human T cell lymphotropic virus type 1 isolated from Cuban individuals
Liuber Y Machado1, Leonor M Navea, Héctor M Díaz
1AIDS Research Laboratory, Carretera de Tapaste and Autopista Nacional, San José de las Lajas, Mayabeque, Cuba. liuberyans@infomed.sld.cu
Insights
This study reveals the genetic makeup of human T-cell lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) in Cuba for the first time. Cuban HTLV-1 strains belong to the Cosmopolitan subtype, suggesting multiple introductions possibly from Africa.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Genetics
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Human T-cell lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) infection is present in Cuba.
- Genetic characterization of Cuban HTLV-1 strains is currently lacking.
- Understanding viral genetics is crucial for effective public health strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To perform the first phylogenetic analysis of HTLV-1 isolates from Cuba.
- To determine the genetic subtype and origin of HTLV-1 circulating in the Cuban population.
- To inform and enhance HTLV-1 epidemic surveillance programs in Cuba.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of the 3' Long Terminal Repeat (LTR) gene sequences from twelve HTLV-1 infected Cuban patients.
- Construction of a phylogenetic tree incorporating reference sequences from diverse geographic origins.
- Phylogenetic analysis to determine viral subtype and evolutionary relationships.
Main Results:
- All Cuban HTLV-1 samples clustered within the Transcontinental subgroup of the Cosmopolitan subtype.
- Phylogenetic analysis indicates multiple distinct introductions of HTLV-1 into Cuba.
- Evidence suggests a potential African origin for the studied Cuban HTLV-1 isolates.
Conclusions:
- The HTLV-1 strains in Cuba are genetically related to the Cosmopolitan subtype, specifically the Transcontinental subgroup.
- The findings support the hypothesis of multiple HTLV-1 introductions into Cuba.
- These genetic insights are vital for strengthening Cuba's HTLV-1 surveillance and control efforts.
Abstract:
The presence of infection by human T cell lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) in Cuba has been previously documented. However, genetic information on the strains that circulate in the Cuban people remains unknown. The present work constitutes the first study of phylogenetic relationship of HTLV-1 Cuban isolates. Twelve Cuban patients who were diagnosed with HTLV-1 infection and had different clinical manifestations were studied. The 3' LTR sequences were analyzed for the construction of a phylogenetic tree with reference sequences of HTLV-1 of different geographic origins. Phylogenetic analysis of the 3' LTR gene showed that all the Cuban samples clustered in the Transcontinental subgroup of the Cosmopolitan subtype. Phylogenetic analysis suggests multiple introductions of HTLV-1 in Cuba as well as a possible African origin of the samples. The results of the study will reinforce the program of epidemic surveillance of the infection in Cuba.
