Human T-cell lymphotropic viruses 1 and 2 (HTLV-1/2) are relatively common in Brazil but remain silent and neglected infections. HTLV-1 is associated with a range of diseases with high morbidity and mortality. There is no curative treatment for this lifelong infection, so measures to prevent transmission are essential. This narrative review discusses HTLV-1/2 transmission routes and measures to prevent its continuous dissemination. The public health policies that are currently implemented in Brazil to avoid HTLV-1/2 transmission are addressed, and further strategies are proposed.
INTRODUCTION
We present a data analysis and review of recent studies regarding the laboratory diagnosis of human T-lymphotropic virus 1 and 2 (HTLV-1/2) infections in Brazil.
METHODS
Target populations, available diagnostic serological assays (screening and complementary tests), molecular assays (in-house), causes of false-positive and false-negative results, and flowcharts were analyzed.
RESULTS
A table presents the target populations, two diagnostic flowcharts (depending on laboratory infrastructure and study population), and recent research that may improve how HTLV-1/2 is diagnosed in Brazil.
CONCLUSIONS:
Our results support the implementation of public policies to reduce HTLV-1/2 transmission and its associated diseases.
Resumo A infecção pelo HIV é tema de um dos capítulos do “Protocolo Clínico e Diretrizes Terapêuticas para Atenção Integral às Pessoas com Infecções Sexualmente Transmissíveis”, publicado pelo Ministério da Saúde do Brasil em 2020. É importante que profissionais de saúde e gestores conheçam os sinais e sintomas da infecção pelo HIV e saibam fazer o seu diagnóstico, a fim de oferecer tratamento adequado e reduzir complicações. A infecção pelo HIV tornou-se doença crônica e seu tratamento inclui a abordagem de comorbidades comuns na prática clínica, como hipertensão arterial, diabetes e dislipidemia, além da avaliação de risco cardiológico, prevenção de neoplasias e orientação para imunizações. O início do tratamento para todas as pessoas vivendo com HIV, independentemente de critérios clínicos ou imunológicos, adotado pelo Ministério da Saúde em 2013, foi agora simplificado com medicamentos de primeira linha mais toleráveis e com menos interações medicamentosas, o que torna seu manejo de fácil implementação, inclusive pela Atenção Primária à Saúde.
HIV infection is presented in the chapters of the Clinical Protocol and Therapeutic Guidelines for Comprehensive Care for People with Sexually Transmitted Infections, published by the Brazilian Ministry of Health in 2020. Health professionals and managers must learn the signs and symptoms of HIV infection and know how to diagnose it to provide appropriate treatment and reduce complications. HIV infection has become a chronic disease. Its treatment includes addressing common comorbidities such as arterial hypertension, diabetes, and dyslipidemia, in addition to cardiac risk assessment, cancer prevention, and guidance on immunization. Initiation of treatment for HIV patients is recommended regardless of clinical or immunological criteria as adopted by the Ministry of Health since 2013. Lately, it has been simplifi ed with more tolerable fi rst-line medications and fewer drug interactions, making its management easy to implement, including by primary health care.
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