In the shadow of HIV-HTLV infection in England and Wales, 1987-2001

Like human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), human T-cell leukaemia/ lymphoma viruses (HTLV) I and II are persistent retroviral infections. Once infected, the lifetime risk of developing the HTLV-associated diseases, malignant or inflammatory, is low (approximately 5%). For those affected, however, thes...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inCommunicable disease and public health Vol. 7; no. 3; p. 200
Main Authors Payne, L J C, Tosswill, J H C, Taylor, G P, Zuckerman, M, Simms, I
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published England 01.09.2004
Subjects
Adult
Aged
Disease Outbreaks
England - epidemiology
Female
HTLV-I Infections - epidemiology
HTLV-II Infections - epidemiology
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Population Surveillance
Wales - epidemiology
England
Wales
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Summary:Like human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), human T-cell leukaemia/ lymphoma viruses (HTLV) I and II are persistent retroviral infections. Once infected, the lifetime risk of developing the HTLV-associated diseases, malignant or inflammatory, is low (approximately 5%). For those affected, however, these diseases are debilitating, with few treatment options and a poor prognosis. Surveillance of HTLV infections by the Communicable Disease Surveillance Centre (CDSC) has been ongoing since serological testing became available in 1986. Testing of blood donations in England and Wales commenced during August 2002 and awareness of HTLV infection is likely to increase. Therefore, a baseline retrospective review of cases prior to 2002 was conducted. The age and sex distribution of identified HTLV cases has differed little over time. Eighty-five per cent of individuals were linked to the Caribbean by birthplace or ethnicity. Though HTLV infection is chronic and incurable, preventive measures are possible. Improved surveillance is needed to support effective prevention activities.
ISSN:1462-1843