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Updated: Sep 4, 2025
Immunoglobulin Gene Sequence Analysis In Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia: From Patient Material To Sequence Interpretation
Published on: November 26, 2018
Adult T cell leukaemia/lymphoma (ATL) in pregnancy: A UK case series
Leila Motedayen Aval1, Mary Boullier2, Hermione Lyall3
1Section of Virology, Imperial College London UK.
Introduction:
Chronic infection with human T-cell lymphotropic virus type-1 (HTLV-1) may result in aggressive adult T-cell leukaemia/lymphoma (ATL) in 4-6% carriers. The majority of this risk arises in carriers infected during infancy, and so each infant has ∼25% lifetime risk. Other risk factors include a family history of ATL. Antenatal HTLV-1 screening is not undertaken in the UK.
Methods:
Here we describe four cases of ATL diagnosed during pregnancy and describe strategies to minimise HTLV-1 transmission to neonates.
Results/Conclusion:
These cases highlight undiagnosed HTLV-1 in pregnancy which allows ongoing mother to child vertical transmission and risk of future ATL. We recommend the UK National Screening Committee incorporate HTLV-1 serology into antenatal screening.
