Abstract
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: Human T-lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) belongs to the Retroviridae family (genus Deltaretrovirus) and is directly involved in carcinogenesis. The HTLV-1 genome is represented by plus-strand RNA, which is transcribed into proviral DNA and then integrated into the genome of the host cell. After integration, HTLV-1 is present in the cells in the form of a provirus. As in the case of the human immunodeficiency virus, the main targets of HTLV-1 are CD4+ T lymphocytes. The virus is transmitted sexually, through blood transfusion, and breastfeeding by biological fluids – sperm, blood, and breast milk. The epidemiology of HTLV-1 remains a mystery: clusters of high endemicity are often located near areas where the virus is virtually absent.
AIM: To analyze and discuss the clinical picture, diagnostics, and treatment of diseases caused by HTLV-1.
METHODS: A literature search was conducted in the databases PubMed, eLIBRARY.ru, and cyberleninka.ru using the keywords: “HTLV-1” + “diseases”, “HTLV-1” + “diagnosis”, “HTLV-1” + “epidemiology”, “HTLV-1” + “treatment”, “HTLV-1” + “Russia” in English and Russian languages. The primary search was conducted for papers published in 2020–2024.
RESULTS: HTLV-1 infection is associated with diseases such as T-cell leukemia/lymphoma and myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis. HTLV-1 infection causes pathologies in most organs of the human body. Because diseases associated with HTLV-1 are most often asymptomatic, etiological diagnoses are performed at the stage of pathological development or when screening donor blood for pathogens.
CONCLUSION: In this review, we analyzed and discussed the clinical manifestations and course of diseases caused by HTLV-1, their diagnosis, and treatment. The lack of reliable population-based studies on the prevalence of this virus is alarming. In fact, HTLV-1 is diagnosed only in blood donors and pregnant women. Currently, this virus is considered endemic to several territories (Africa, Australia, the Middle East, Japan, etc.) and some indigenous peoples. However, we consider it important to draw the attention of both epidemiologists and clinicians to HTLV-1, given the unprecedented migration flows and international connections in the modern world.