Introduction of HTLV-1 Virus
HTLV-1, or human T lymphotropic type 1, is a human RNA retrovirus. Leukemia and T cell lymphoma are causative agents in adults and may also participate in certain demyelination diseases, including local spastic weakness.
Adult T lymphotropic virus (ALTV) is a strain of these viruses that mainly affects adults. The leukemia virus (BLV) is closely related to this virus.
Infection with the Human T cell lymphotropic virus type I (HTLV-1) leads to multiple neurological disorders, one of its manifestations being tropical spastic paraparesis, which has been of interest to neurologists for 45 years.
HTLV-I virus manifests itself as a progressive paraparesis with an increase in tendon reflexes and Babinski symptoms, sphincter disorder being an early change.
The definitive diagnosis of this infection is confirmed by the search for antibodies against the virus in the serum.
HTLV-1 Virus Transmission Methods
- From mother to child through breastfeeding
- Sexual contact and commonly from man to woman
- Through blood transfusions, such as transfusions of blood contaminated with the virus.
Signs and Symptoms of HTLV-1 Disease Progression
Fatigue, lymphadenopathy (swollen lymph nodes), thirst, nausea and vomiting, fever, skin and bone abnormalities, enlarged liver or spleen, and frequent infections