Prevalence and genetic diversity of HTLV-1 among blood donors in Jiroft, Iran: a comprehensive study

Area of Science:

• Virology
• Epidemiology
• Public Health

Background:

• Human T-cell lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) is a significant human retrovirus with a global distribution.
• HTLV-1 infection is linked to various diseases, including adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma and HTLV-1-associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis.
• The prevalence and genetic diversity of HTLV-1 in Jiroft Province, southeast Iran, remain largely uncharacterized.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence of HTLV-1 infection among blood donors in Jiroft Province, Iran.
• To analyze the phylogenetic characteristics of HTLV-1 isolates from this region.
• To assess the implications for blood safety and inform public health strategies.

Main Methods:

• Serum samples from 405 blood donors in Jiroft Province were screened for HTLV-1 antibodies using ELISA.
• Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were analyzed by PCR targeting the Long Terminal Repeat (LTR) and TAX regions of HTLV-1.
• Phylogenetic analysis was performed on the obtained viral sequences.

Main Results:

• A total of 6 out of 405 blood donors (1.5%) tested positive for HTLV-1.
• HTLV-1 prevalence was slightly higher in females (1.6%) than males (1.2%).
• The highest prevalence (4%) was observed in the 46-64 age group. Phylogenetic analysis indicated similarities to HTLV-1 strains from Mashhad Province, with nine single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) identified in the LTR region.

Conclusions:

• The findings establish a baseline prevalence of HTLV-1 in Jiroft Province, highlighting the need for routine screening of blood donors.
• The genetic data contribute to understanding HTLV-1 diversity in Iran and suggest potential transmission routes.
• Implementing effective screening measures is crucial to ensure blood transfusion safety and prevent further HTLV-1 transmission.