Serological evidence of HTLV-I and HTLV-II coinfections in HIV-1 positive patients in Belém, state of Pará, Brazil

Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz. 1998 May-Jun;93(3):407-9. doi: 10.1590/s0074-02761998000300026.

Abstract

The occurrence of HTLV-I/II and HIV-1 coinfections have been shown to be frequent, probably in consequence of their similar modes of transmission. This paper presents the prevalence of coinfection of HTLV among HIV-1 infected and AIDS patients in Belém, State of Pará, Brazil. A group of 149 patients attending the AIDS Reference Unit of the State Department of Health was tested for the presence of antibodies to HTLV-I/II using an enzyme immunoassay and the positive reactions were confirmed with a Western blot that discriminates between HTLV-I and HTLV-II infections. Four patients (2.7%) were positive to HTLV-I, seven (4.7%) to HTLV-II and one (0.7%) showed an indeterminate pattern of reaction. The present results show for the first time in Belém not only the occurrence of HTLV-II/HIV-1 coinfections but also a higher prevalence of HTLV-II in relation to HTLV-I. Furthermore, it also enlarges the geographical limits of the endemic area for HTLV-II in the Amazon region of Brazil.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Brazil / epidemiology
  • Female
  • HIV Seropositivity / complications*
  • HIV Seropositivity / epidemiology
  • HTLV-I Infections / complications*
  • HTLV-I Infections / diagnosis
  • HTLV-I Infections / epidemiology*
  • HTLV-II Infections / complications*
  • HTLV-II Infections / diagnosis
  • HTLV-II Infections / epidemiology*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Prevalence
  • Risk Factors