Infection control: human T-cell leukaemia virus infection

Human T-cell leukaemia (HTLV) types I and II are blood-borne viruses which are transmissible by sexual contact, transfusion of infected blood, sharing equipment for intravenous drug use and breast-feeding. At present the estimated seroprevalence of these viruses in the UK is approximately 1 in 20,000. HTLV I/II infection carries a small and unpredictable risk of leukaemia or paralysis. In the absence of a treatment for HTLV infection, or effective therapy for associated diseases, the prevention of further transmission is of primary importance. Patients need sensitive and appropriate advice in order to understand the implications of their infection.