Retrospective study of the prevalence of human T‐cell lymphotropic virus‐type 1/2, HIV, and HBV in pregnant women in Argentina

Abstract

This study shows first data on HTLV-1/2 seroprevalence among pregnant women in the non-endemic region of Argentina. In a retrospective study a representative sample (n = 3,143) of the pregnant women registered in the health public service in the province of Córdoba was evaluated. HTLV-1/2 seroprevalence was 0.191% +/- 0.0857 [IC 0.022-0.359]. This prevalence was 10 times higher in pregnant women than in blood donors [0.019 (4/21.183)]. The pregnant women would reflect the epidemiology of the general population more accurately since it constitutes a more heterogeneous group than that of blood donors. The prevalence of infection with HIV was 2.8 times higher than that of HTLV-1/2 (P < 0.05) and the presence of any of these two viruses was not a subrogating indicator of the presence of the other (Goodman and Kruskal's Tau coefficient = 0.0092). The prevalence of HBV was not significantly different from that of HTLV-1/2 (P > 0.05). We consider that it is necessary to carry out continuous studies in order to define the main risk factors for infection of these women. Thus, a decision could be made to apply the best policy in public health to prevent vertical transmission of the virus in Argentina.

HTLV-1 cosmopolitan and HTLV-2 subtype b among pregnant women of non-endemic areas of Argentina

“…10 11 The only report on HTLV-1/2 in PW in Argentina was reported in Cordoba in 2007, showing a prevalence 10 times higher than in BD. 12 The difference with our study could be due to the number of PW in each province or due to the different epidemiological characteristics of the population attending the antenatal clinics in that province.…”

Epidemiological Aspects and World Distribution of HTLV-1 Infection

“…The numerous studies performed on blood donors and pregnant women from different areas of Argentina have revealed globally a low or very HTLV-1 seroprevalence, ranging roughly from 0.01 to 0.2% depending on the type and geographical location of the tested populations (Gastaldello et al, 2004; Trenchi et al, 2007; Berini et al, 2010). Some regions are thus considered as non-endemic (as the central areas) in contrast to the Northeastern provinces of the country (Biglione et al, 2005).…”

Trends in HTLV‐1 prevalence and incidence of adult T‐cell leukemia/lymphoma in Nagasaki, Japan

“…The seroprevalence of HTLV-1 was 0.3% in patients at a genitourinary medicine department at a hospital in southeast London, while those in blood donors in the north of England and north London were very low, in the range of 0.0014-0.005% [Turner et al, 2008]. The seroprevalence of HTLV-1/2 in pregnant women in Argentina (0.191%) was 10 times higher than that in blood donors (0.019%) [Trenchi et al, 2007].…”