Related Experiment Videos
HTLV-II risk factors in Native Americans in Florida
G W Lowis1, W A Sheremata, P R Wickman
1Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, School of Medicine, University of Miami, Fla. 33136, USA.
Neuroepidemiology
|December 1, 1998
Summary
Human T-cell lymphotropic virus type II (HTLV-II) is endemic in Seminole Indians in Florida. Blood transfusions were a significant risk factor for HTLV-II infection in this population.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Epidemiology
- Genetics
Background:
- Human T-cell lymphotropic virus type II (HTLV-II) is prevalent among Seminole Indians in southern Florida.
- Previous studies have identified HTLV-II as the predominant retrovirus in this population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine risk factors for HTLV-II infection among Seminole Indians.
- To investigate potential disease associations with HTLV-II.
- To characterize the specific subtype of HTLV-II circulating in the population.
Main Methods:
- Plasma samples were tested using enzyme-linked immunosorbent and Western blot assays.
- DNA from peripheral blood mononuclear cells was analyzed via polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for HTLV pol gene detection.
- Restriction fragment length polymorphism and sequence analyses were used to subtype HTLV-II strains.
Main Results:
- Out of 46 subjects, 2% were HTLV-I positive and 24% were HTLV-II positive.
- All identified HTLV-II strains were subtype b (HTLV-IIb).
- HTLV-II positivity was associated with age >45, female sex, multiple sex partners, and blood transfusions, with blood transfusion being statistically significant.
- Three HTLV-II positive individuals showed symptoms of ataxic neuropathy.
Conclusions:
- HTLV-IIb is endemic within the Seminole Indian population in Florida.
- Blood transfusion is a significant risk factor for HTLV-II infection in this group.
- The Seminole population serves as a crucial cohort for future HTLV-II virologic research.