Human T-cell leukemia virus type 2

Alternate names

HTLV-2; Human T lymphotropic virus type 2

Definition

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

• 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

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

• 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

• 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

• 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.

NIH genetic and rare disease info

• NIH info on Human T-cell leukemia virus type 2

Human T-cell leukemia virus type 2 is a rare disease.