Human T-cell leukemia virus type 2
Alternate names[edit | edit source]
HTLV-2; Human T lymphotropic virus type 2
Definition[edit | edit source]
Human T-cell leukemia virus, type 2 (HTLV-2) is a retroviral infection that affect the T cells (a type of white blood cell).
Cause[edit | edit source]
- Human T-cell leukemia virus, type 2 (HTLV-2) occurs when a person is infected by the human T-cell leukemia retrovirus.
- HTLV-2 is spread by blood transfusions, sexual contact and sharing needles.
- It can also be spread from mother to child during birth or breast-feeding.
- It is unclear why some people with HTLV-2 may develop neurological problems and other medical conditions, while others remain asymptomatic (show no signs or symptoms) their entire lives.
Signs and symptoms[edit | edit source]
Human T-cell leukemia virus, type 2 (HTLV-2) generally causes no signs or symptoms. Although HTLV-2 has not been definitively linked with any specific health problems, scientists suspect that some affected people may later develop neurological problems such as:
- Sensory neuropathies (conditions that affect the nerves that provide feeling)
- Gait abnormalities
- Bladder dysfunction
- Mild cognitive impairment
- Motor abnormalities (loss of or limited muscle control or movement, or limited mobility)
- Erectile dysfunction
- Although evidence is limited, there may also be a link between HTLV-2 and chronic lung infections (i.e. pneumonia and bronchitis), arthritis, asthma, and dermatitis.
Diagnosis[edit | edit source]
- Human T-cell leukemia virus, type 2 (HTLV-2) is usually diagnosed based on blood tests that detect antibodies to the virus.
- However, HTLV-2 is often never suspected or diagnosed since most people never develop any signs or symptoms of the infection.
- Diagnosis may occur during screening for blood donation, testing performed due to a family history of the infection, or a work-up for an HTLV-2-associated medical problems.
Treatment[edit | edit source]
- No cure or treatment exists for human T-cell leukemia virus, type 2 (HTLV-2).
- Management is focused on early detection and preventing the spread of HTLV-2 to others.
- Screening blood doners, promoting safe sex and discouraging needle sharing can decrease the number of new infections.
- Mother-to-child transmission can be reduced by screening pregnant women so infected mothers can avoid breastfeeding.
Prognosis[edit | edit source]
- The long-term outlook (prognosis) for most people infected with human T-cell leukemia virus, type 2 (HTLV-2) is good.
- Infection with HTLV-2 is lifelong, but 95% of affected people have no signs or symptoms of the condition.
- Although HTLV-2 has not been definitively linked with any specific health problems, scientists suspect that some affected people may later develop neurological problems and/or chronic lung infections.
- However, HTLV-2-related health problems tend to be significantly milder than those associated with human T-cell leukemia virus, type 1.
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NIH genetic and rare disease info[edit source]
Human T-cell leukemia virus type 2 is a rare disease.
Human T-cell leukemia virus type 2 Resources | ||
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