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Human T-lymphotropic virus type I in Japan
1Blood Transfusion Service, Kumamoto University School of Medicine, Japan.
Lancet (London, England)
|January 22, 1994
Summary
Adult T-cell leukaemia (ATL), caused by human T-lymphotropic virus type I (HTLV-I), is prevalent in Japan. Diagnosis involves detecting HTLV-I proviral DNA in tumor cells, with varied subtypes and poor prognosis for aggressive forms.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Virology
- Immunology
Background:
- Adult T-cell leukaemia (ATL) is a malignancy of mature T lymphocytes.
- It is endemic in southwestern Japan and linked to human T-lymphotropic virus type I (HTLV-I).
- HTLV-I infection is widespread in ATL-endemic regions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize the epidemiology, diagnosis, subtypes, and transmission of ATL.
- To highlight the association between HTLV-I and ATL.
- To discuss other associated conditions and prognosis.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on ATL and HTLV-I.
- Analysis of diagnostic criteria for ATL.
- Classification of ATL subtypes based on clinical presentation.
Main Results:
- ATL is caused by HTLV-I, with diagnosis confirmed by HTLV-I proviral DNA in tumor cells.
- ATL cells are derived from CD4+ T cells and present in four subtypes: acute, chronic, smouldering, and lymphoma.
- The disease shows familial clustering and is transmitted via infected lymphocytes.
Conclusions:
- ATL is a complex disease with diverse clinical manifestations and poor prognosis for acute and lymphoma types.
- HTLV-I infection is the etiological agent and can lead to other conditions like HTLV-I-associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis and uveitis.
- Understanding transmission routes is crucial for prevention and management strategies.