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Published on: July 6, 2013
Human T-cell lymphotropic virus type I infection in neonates
American Journal of Diseases of Children (1960)
|July 1, 1987
Summary
Neonatal transfusions can transmit human T-cell lymphotropic virus type I (HTLV-I). Three infants receiving blood transfusions tested positive for HTLV-I antibodies, indicating a transfusion-associated risk in newborns.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Neonatal Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) perform transfusions for various medical reasons.
- Blood transfusions carry a risk of transmitting infectious agents.
- Human T-cell lymphotropic virus type I (HTLV-I) is a retrovirus with potential health implications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the incidence of human T-cell lymphotropic virus type I (HTLV-I) infection in neonates who received blood transfusions.
- To determine if HTLV-I transmission occurred via transfusion in a neonatal population.
Main Methods:
- Serum samples from 128 transfused infants were collected.
- Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and indirect immunofluorescence test (IIFT) were used to detect anti-HTLV-I antibodies.
- Sera from mothers and siblings of seropositive infants were also tested.
Main Results:
- Three out of 128 infants (2.3%) tested positive for anti-HTLV-I antibodies.
- The seropositive infants had received varying volumes of transfused blood (62 mL, 82 mL, 1160 mL).
- No anti-HTLV-I antibodies were detected in the mothers or siblings of the infected infants, suggesting transfusion as the source.
Conclusions:
- Blood transfusions represent a potential route for HTLV-I transmission to neonates.
- Neonatal transfusion-associated HTLV-I infection is a significant concern.
- Screening of blood products for HTLV-I is crucial for preventing neonatal infections.
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