PubMed · 8133720
The source did not provide an abstract. Follow the original record for more information.
Explore connections, maps & timelines
V Soriano, M Gutiérrez. 1994-01-29. [HTLV-II].. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8133720/
Cite the original work for its findings. Save a collection to share your selection of sources.
KEEP EXPLORING
PURPOSE: A literature review was performed of the three principal subpopulations most commonly associated with human T-cell lymphotropic virus type II (HTLV-II) with the view of identifying the prevalence and transmission routes of HTLV-II. These included blood donors (BDs), intravenous drug users (IVDUs), and Amerindians (Indian populations from the Americas). We used the major criterion of serological and molecular distinction between human T-cell lymphotropic virus types I (HTLV-I) and II (HTLV-II). Three questions were formulated in addressing the possibility that HTLV-II might be responsible for the reported prevalence and transmission of this virus in these groups. Question One: Which population groups have the highest HTLV-II seroprevalence rates? Question Two: Are worldwide HTLV infection rates among the three sub-populations associated predominantly with the HTLV-II retrovirus type? Question three: What are the principal modes of transmission of HTLV-II? METHODS: Since earlier epidemiologic studies did not routinely use assays capable of distinguishing between HTLV-I and HTLV-II antibodies, their findings are necessarily inaccurate. However, with the more recent development of enhanced serologic assays, using recombinant antigens that are capable of accurately making this differentiation, it is now possible to more precisely define the epidemiology of HTLV-II. We reviewed only those studies where serological and molecular methods of accurately distinguishing between the two retroviruses were utilized. Initially, we located 36 studies, which met this particular review criterion. Of the five different assays we identified, the most prevalent were the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) (n = 14) and the synthetic peptide-based enzyme-linked immunoassay (Synth EIA) (n = 13). Our BD, IVDU, and Amerindian groups were also evaluated according to this differentiation schema. We were able to locate over 100 prevalence studies where focus was on some aspect of analysis of at least one or more of these three groups. By using many search terms - such as HTLV-II endemic population, seroepidemiological, as well as case control and cohort studies - we were able to create a comprehensive bibliographic database. RESULTS: The two groups identified with high HTLV-II prevalence rates are the IVDUs and Amerindian population. The importance of breast-feeding, IVDU, and contaminated blood products in the HTLV-II transmission process is confirmed. Sexual intercourse, however, as a mode of HTLV-II transmission remains problematic. CONCLUSIONS: By confining our evaluation to only those studies that used serological and/or molecular methods capable of distinguishing between the two retroviruses, we have been able to establish with confidence that there are consistent emerging patterns of HTLV-II infection in these populations.
Previous serological studies have demonstrated that some 60% of intravenous drug abusers (IVDAs) in urban areas of the former South Vietnam are infected with HTLV-II. In the present report we have attempted to characterize the viruses using restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) and nucleotide sequence analysis of the provirus long terminal repeat (LTR) region. RFLP analysis of nine samples demonstrated that all were infected with the HTLV-IIb subtype. The HTLV-IIa subtype was not detected. Phylogenetic analysis of the nucleotide sequences demonstrated that the viruses clustered closely with HTLV-IIb isolates present in IVDAs from the New York City area. The present molecular analysis together with the previously reported absence of HTLV-II infection in North Vietnam supports the view that HTLV-II may have been introduced from the United States to this part of Asia by military personnel during the Vietnam conflict.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.