Human T-lymphotropic virus type 1: technical report

Human T‐cell lymphotropic virus‐1 (HTLV‐1), is a retrovirus which causes lifelong infection in humans. Infection is sometimes asymptomatic, but chronic infection causes a spectrum of various clinical syndromes, the severe ones being an aggressive malignancy known as adult T-cell leukaemia/lymphoma (ATL) and a progressive neurological condition known as HTLV-1-associated myelopathy.

This Technical report on HTLV-1 captures the epidemiological status and management approaches for HTLV-1 virus infection and the diseases it causes. It presents best practice approaches and research evidence on how countries have addressed HTLV-1 so far. Prior to this report WHO undertook consultations with member states and partners.

Few public health measures have been implemented on a global scale to prevent infection with HTLV-1 or its consequences, or to manage ATL and HAM/TSP. Current evidence from countries suggests that more concerted global public health actions in containing this infectious disease can be implemented via integrated approach in the existing country programmes of STIs and HIV prevention and control. These include ongoing monitoring and surveillance of the virus. Blood testing at transfusion clinics, cessation of breast feeding, and partner testing and condom promotion are useful prevention strategies. Testing and treatment methods need new innovations with better technology to improve performance and efficacy.

This report is a tool towards improving HTLV-1 prevention and control and reducing morbidity and mortality due to the virus.