Influence of human t-cell lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) Infection on laboratory parameters of patients with chronic hepatitis C virus

Abstract

SUMMARYHepatitis C virus (HCV) and human T-cell lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) share routes of transmission and some individuals have dual infection. Although some studies point to a worse prognosis of hepatitis C virus in patients co-infected with HTLV-1, the interaction between these two infections is poorly understood. This study evaluated the influence of HTLV-1 infection on laboratory parameters in chronic HCV patients. Twelve HTLV-1/HCV-coinfected patients were compared to 23 patients infected only with HCV, in regard to demographic data, risk factors for viral acquisition, HCV genotype, presence of cirrhosis, T CD4 + and CD8 + cell counts and liver function tests. There was no difference in regard to age, gender, alcohol consumption, smoking habits, HCV genotype or presence of cirrhosis between the groups. Intravenous drug use was the most common risk factor among individuals co-infected with HTLV-1. These patients showed higher TCD8 + counts (p = 0.0159) and significantly lower median values of AST and ALT (p = 0.0437 and 0.0159, respectively). In conclusion, we have shown that HCV/HTLV-1 co-infected patients differs in laboratorial parameters involving both liver and immunological patterns. The meaning of these interactions in the natural history of these infections is a matter that deserves further studies.

Hepatitis C virus and human T-cell lymphotropic virus type 1 co-infection: impact on liver disease, virological markers, and neurological outcomes

“…23 However, other groups have postulated that HTLV-1 infection can attenuate hepatic damage, as shown by lower serum levels of aminotransferases and lower degrees of liver fibrosis. 27,28 Similar results were observed in a study with triple HIV, HCV, and HTLV-1 co-infection, in which HTLV-1-infected patients presented better outcomes for HCVassociated liver fibrosis. 26 The present study was performed to provide new insights into the interactions between HCV and HTLV-1 infections through an evaluation of abnormalities in hepatic parameters and the neurological outcomes of HCV/HTLV-1 co-infection.…”

HCV/HTLV coinfection: Does HTLV-1 interfere in the natural history of HCV-related diseases?

“…It has been well documented that HTLV induces polyclonal proliferation [Tygstrup, 1990]. Another study conducted in a Brazilian center found a similar result [Cardoso et al, 2009].…”

“…No particular risk factor could be identified for HTLV/HCV coinfected patients in Brazil. The use of intravenous drugs did not seem to be an important risk factor for these parenterally transmitted viruses; however, the use of unsafe injections for licit medicines in the past was likely responsible for most cases of HCV transmission in many parts of the country during the 1970s and 80s [Paraná et al, ; Cardoso et al, ; Milagres et al, ].…”

Predictive Factors of HTLV1-HIV Coinfections in French Guiana

“…In addition, a study showed that liver enzymes were higher in patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV)/HTLV1 coinfections than single HCV infections. 23 However, the difference observed has no clinical significance (4 units) and both medians are well below the upper limit of the normal range. During multivariate analysis, using a The main limitation of this study is its retrospective design, leading to numerous missing variables.…”