HTLV
What is HLTV-1?
HTLV-1 is short for Human T-Cell Lymphotropic Virus Type 1. It is a lifelong infection and is generally asymptomatic for a number of years in most people infected with the virus, before symptoms start to show up. Unfortunately, it can lead to serious illnesses in some patients. In Malta, HTLV-1 is of concern among people coming from sub-Saharan Africa.
HTLV-1 is found in South America, the Caribbean, the southern part of Japan, Papua New Guinea.
How can I lower my risk for HTLV-1?
- Use condoms every time you have sex.
- Limit your number of partners.
- Do not have sex if drunk or had used illicit drugs.
- Do not share needles.
How does someone get HTLV-1?
It is transmitted through:
- Unprotected sex.
- Blood.
- Sharing of needles with infected persons.
- Vertical transmission: There is about 6-35% transmission from mother to infant through breast milk. If you are breastfeeding, you either avoid breastfeeding, or limit breastfeeding for not more than 6 months. It is important to discuss this with your medical practitioner or midwife.
You cannot get HTLV-1 by hugging, kissing or sharing a glass.
What are the symptoms of HTLV-1?
Slow onset of disease, which generally takes 20-30 years (unlike HIV which takes 5-10 years) before symptoms start to show up. Many do not show any symptoms at all. About 5% of those infected develop one of the following serious illnesses:
- Adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma:
- Fatigue.
- Swollen lymph nodes.
- Fever with sweats.
- Skin rash.
- Bone lesions.
- Aggressive Malignancy.
- Tropical Spastic Paraparesis (mainly seen in the Caribbean) and HTLV Associated Myelopathy (mainly seen in Japan):
- Muscle stiffness.
- Muscle spasms.
- Stiff gait.
- Weakness in lower extremity of the body.
- Low back pain.
- Unable to control urinary bladder and/or bowels.
- Impotence.
- Tingling sensation/numbness.
- Over active reflexes.
- Infective Dermatitis:
- Recurrent Staphylococcus or Streptococcus skin infections.
- Uveitis:
- Sudden onset, reddening of eyes, pain and blurred vision.
- Polymyositis:
- Muscle pain.
- Muscle stiffness.
- Muscle weakness mainly in abdomen, shoulders and upper arms, hips.
- Joint pain.
- Joint stiffness.
- Irregular heart beats.
- Difficulty breathing.
- Difficulty swallowing.
How can I find out if I have HTLV-1?
The doctor may carry out a blood test. You may get tested for other STIs as one can have other sexually transmitted infections at the same time.
When should I be tested?
- If you had or are having unprotected vaginal, anal or oral sex.
- If you are having unprotected sex with more than one partner.
- You may get to know that you have the infection while you are being tested for other reasons, in view that many do not have any symptoms.
Do I have to inform my partner about HTLV-1?
- Your partner may have HTLV-1 too.
- Be sure to tell your recent sex partner/s so that they can get tested and treated. They may have it too without knowing it.
- Healthcare professionals may help you in notifying your sexual partners in a confidential manner.
How is HLTV-1 treated?
HTLV-1 is a lifelong infection and there is no specific treatment for it. Treatment is given according to your symptoms and/or signs and it may include antivirals, chemotherapy or other treatment. You should discuss with your doctor.
Further information and help
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