What is HTLV-1 (HTLV type 1)?
HTLV-1 is an abbreviation for human T-cell lymphotropic virus type 1, also called human T-cell leukemia type 1, a virus that has been implicated in several kinds of diseases, including tropical spastic paraparesis, and as a virus cancer link for leukemia (see adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma ). HTLV-1 has six reported subtypes (subtypes A to F).
What is human T cell leukemia virus type 2 (HTLV-2)?
Human T- cell leukemia virus, type 2 (HTLV-2) is a retroviral infection that affect the T cells (a type of white blood cell). Although this virus generally causes no signs or symptoms, scientists suspect that some affected people may later develop neurological problems and/or chronic lung infections.
Is HTLV-2 linked to health problems?
Although HTLV-2 has not been definitively linked with any specific health problems, scientists suspect that some affected people may later develop neurological problems and/or chronic lung infections. However, HTLV-2-related health problems tend to be significantly milder than those associated with human T-cell leukemia virus, type 1.
Can the HTLV-II virus be transmitted through breast milk?
The HTLV-II provirus has been detected in breast milk from HTLV-II-infected mothers (60), but no data are available regarding transmission to breast-fed infants. HTLV-II can be transmitted sexually (61); the most commonly reported risk factor among HTLV-II-infected female U.S. blood donors is sexual contact with an injecting drug user (6,58).
