Seroepidemiology of HTLV-I/II in Argentina: an overview

J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr. 2004 Mar 1;35(3):301-8. doi: 10.1097/00126334-200403010-00012.

Abstract

In this report, the results of seroepidemiologic studies of human T-lymphotropic virus type I (HTLV-I) and type II (HTLV-II) infections in different population groups in Argentina have been compiled. The studies have shown a high prevalence of HTLV-I/II infection in blood donors in the provinces in the north of Argentina (1.0% in Jujuy, 0.7% in Salta, and 0.6% in Formosa) and a low prevalence in the provinces in the central region of the country (<or=0.1%). High rates of HTLV-I (0.45%-2.78%) and HTLV-II (2.78%-21.9%) infections have been documented in Native Indian groups and have highlighted the importance of sexual and mother-to-child transmission of the viruses. The presence of HTLV-I/II antibodies in HIV-infected individuals indicates that both viruses are circulating in certain high-risk population groups. HTLV-I/II was detected in intravenous drug users (2.56%-21.7%), homosexual men (0.5-1.33%), prostitutes (0.8%), and hemophiliacs (2.8%). In conclusion, HTLV-I/II infection is circulating in low- and high-risk populations in Argentina, and these findings would support the view that selective screening for HTLV-I/II should be implemented to reduce the spread of infection.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Argentina / epidemiology
  • Blood Donors
  • Geography
  • HTLV-I Infections / epidemiology*
  • HTLV-II Infections / epidemiology*
  • Human T-lymphotropic virus 1 / isolation & purification*
  • Human T-lymphotropic virus 2 / isolation & purification*
  • Humans
  • Risk Factors
  • Seroepidemiologic Studies
  • Substance Abuse, Intravenous