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Human T cell lymphotropic virus type 1 in Zimbabwe
S Houston1, C Thornton, J Emmanuel
1University of Zimbabwe Medical School, Avondale, Harare.
Summary
Human T cell lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) is uncommon in Zimbabwe but can cause serious neurological conditions like myelopathy. Co-infection with HIV may accelerate disease progression.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Neurology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Human T-cell lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) is linked to myelopathy and adult T-cell leukemia.
- The distribution of HTLV-1 in Africa remains poorly understood.
- This study investigates HTLV-1 prevalence in Zimbabwe.
Observation:
- HTLV-1 testing was conducted on various patient groups in Zimbabwe, including blood donors, HIV-negative individuals with AIDS-like symptoms, hemophiliacs, hematological malignancy patients, and neurological disease patients.
- Testing involved enzyme immunoassay with immunofluorescence assay confirmation.
Findings:
- HTLV-1 seropositivity was identified in one blood donor and three neurological patients with spinal cord syndromes.
- Two of the three HTLV-1-positive myelopathy patients were co-infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
- HTLV-1/HIV co-infection was associated with unusually rapid neurological disease progression.
Implications:
- HTLV-1 is not widespread but is associated with myelopathy in Zimbabwe.
- The findings highlight the importance of considering HTLV-1 in neurological cases, especially in co-infected individuals.
- Further research is needed to understand HTLV-1 epidemiology and clinical impact in Africa.