Dermatologic Lesions in Asymptomatic Blood Donors Seropositive for Human T Cell Lymphotropic Virus Type-1

Abstract

Abstract. Dermatologic manifestations are quite common in patients with adult T cell leukemia/lymphoma and myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis associated with infection with human T cell lymphotropic virus type-1 (HTLV-1). In this study, we evaluated the dermatologic lesions of eligible blood donors in the state of Minas Gerais in Brazil who were seropositive but asymptomatic for infection with HTLV-1. The study population was composed of 128 HTLV-1-seropositive individuals and 108 seronegative controls. All individuals underwent a dermatologic evaluation. Biopsy specimens were obtained from abnormal and normal skin samples of seropositive individuals in an attempt to detect HTLV-1 in tissue samples by a polymerase chain reaction. Dermatologic alterations were observed more frequently in the seropositive group (adjusted odds ratio [OR] ‫ס‬ 8.77, 95% confidence interval [CI] ‫ס‬ 4.11−18.71). The most common skin diseases were dermatophytoses (adjusted OR ‫ס‬ 3.32, 95% CI ‫ס‬ 1.50−7.35), seborrheic dermatitis (OR ‫ס‬ 3.53, 95% CI ‫ס‬ 0.67−24.66), and acquired ichthyosis (P ‫ס‬ 0.001). Virus was detected more frequently in abnormal skin samples. Dermatologic lesions probably related to HTLV-1 infection were diagnosed in eligible blood donors who were infected with this virus, who were previously considered to be asymptomatic carriers of HTLV-1.

Lesões dermatológicas em pacientes infectados pelo vírus linfotrópico humano de células T do tipo 1 (HTLV-1)

“…Houve associação fraca da infecção pelo HTLV-I com vitiligo e onicomicose. Outro achado relevante desse estudo foi o de que a presença do HTLV-1 na pele, pesquisada pela técnica de PCR, mostrou-se mais comum conforme a maior intensidade da lesão cutânea observada, clínica e/ou histológica 31 .…”

“…A ictiose adquirida foi apontada por Gonçalves e colaboradores como sendo condição associada à sorologia positiva para o HTLV-1 em candidatos à doação de sangue 31 . Mais recentemente, estudando 30 membros de uma família no Brasil, Nobre e colaboradores demonstraram predomínio de xerodermia e de ictiose adquirida dentre as dermatoses encontradas nos indivíduos infectados pelo HTLV-1, quando comparados aos seus familiares soronegativos (dados não publicados).…”

“…Casos de dermatofitose extensa associada à escabiose norueguesa foram descritos 21 22 . Além disso, portadores assintomáticos do HTLV-1 apresentam maior freqüência de dermatofitoses 31 .…”

“…A seguir, constatou-se que as lesões ocorrem também em indivíduos infectados e considerados assintomáticos 31 . O estudo dessas dermatopatias merece destaque, uma vez que, a pele permite a realização de procedimentos diagnósticos de doenças que acometem os órgãos internos 48 .…”

O vírus linfotrópico de células T humanos tipo 1 (HTLV-1): Quando suspeitar da infecção?

“…55 Other dermatological conditions that have exhibited heightened prevalence rates in studies of asymptomatic HTLV carriers are dermatophytosis, seborrheic dermatitis and acquired ichthyosis. 56,57 Disseminated and recurrent forms of scabies have also been described in association with HTLV infections. 64 Arthritis and synovitis Cases have been described of connective tissue disease patients with HTLV-1 infections.…”