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