HIV/HTLV-1/2 Co-Infection in the Peruvian Amazon: Prevalence and Associated Factors

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Epidemiology
• Retroviral Research

Background:

• Co-infection with human T-cell lymphotropic virus types 1 and 2 (HTLV-1/2) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is not routinely screened for.
• This co-infection can significantly impact disease progression, mortality, and quality of life for individuals living with HIV.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence of HTLV-1/2 co-infection among adults living with HIV in the Peruvian Amazon.
• To identify epidemiological factors associated with HTLV-1/2 and HIV co-infection in this population.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study was conducted in Iquitos, Peru, involving 284 patients on antiretroviral therapy.
• HTLV-1/2 antibody screening used enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), with positive results confirmed by Line Immunoassay (LIA).
• Logistic regression models were used to analyze demographic and behavioral variables and estimate prevalence odds ratios.

Main Results:

• A prevalence of 10% (95% CI: 6.5–14.1) for HTLV-1/2 co-infection was found among 284 individuals living with HIV.
• Independent risk factors for co-infection included age over 35 years (POR=12.4) and more than 10 lifetime sexual partners (POR=3.6).

Conclusions:

• HTLV-1/2 co-infection is highly prevalent in people living with HIV in the Peruvian Amazon.
• Cumulative exposure and sexual behavior are significant factors in the joint transmission of HTLV-1/2 and HIV.
• Systematic HTLV screening should be considered in endemic settings for individuals living with HIV.