Impact of Human T-Lymphotropic Virus (HTLV I/II) Diagnosis on the Frequency of Mood Disorders in a Non-Endemic Area

Abstract

tests like enzyme-linked (Elisa), Quimioluminescence (QMIA) or western blot analysis [1]. The infection diagnosis is very stressful for the patient, the patient is informed of the likelihood of serious disease (HAM/TSP or Adult T lymphotropic leukemia). Another aggravating issue is when the viral pathology cannot be ascertained by health professionals and is not common in other patients [2]. The northeast and southeast regions of Brazil are highly endemic for HTLVI/II, although southern Brazil is non-endemic [3]. This report aimed to evaluate the impact of HTLV-I/II diagnosis in causing mood disorders in a non-endemic area. The ratio of asymptomatic HTLV-I carriers to patients with symptomatic HAM/TSP is approximately 2,000-3,000:1 [4]. Materials and MethodsSix patients, five with HAM/TSP and one asymptomatic HTLV-I infected participant from the neuroinfection outpatient clinic of HC-UFPR, Paraná, Brazil were evaluated by a multiprofessional group. All patients underwent psychiatric evaluation with the Brazilian version of a structured interview (MINI Plus); beck depression inventory (BDI) and beck anxiety inventory (BAI). Functional independence measure (FIM) scale was conducted by trained professionals, FIM Total scores range from 18 (totally dependent) to 126 (totally independent). Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and blood samples were collected for QMIA (ARCHITECT rHTLV-I/II, Abbott ® ) and confirmatory Western Blot (INNO-LIA TM HTLV-I/II Score, INNOGENETICS ® ). Flow cytometry of CSF and blood (FACSCALIBUR BD ® , 4 colors, limit of detection 0.1%) was performed for CD4 and CD8 quantification. ResultsSix patients with HTLV infection, confirmed by Western blot, were evaluated in depth demographic; CSF and immunological characteristics of participants with HAM/TSP and asymptomatic are listed on in Table 1 and Table 2 respectively. Among the patients with HAM/TSP (mean ± SD): age 54 ± 18 (years); time of diagnosis (years) 7.6 ± 9.3; time of symptoms (years) 16.8 ± 6.3 FIM scale 98.6