Exam Cram

• HTLV- human T-Lymphotrophic virus: HTLV-1 & HTLV-2 is a retrovirus transmitted through blood

• Presentation: immunosuppressed infections, uveitis, dermatitis, pneumonitis, adult T-cell leukaemia; topical spastic paraparesis

• Diagnosis: HTLV blood serum antibodies

• Currently there is no cure and the virus causes lifelong chronic infection

Outline

Background

• HTLV-1 can cause spastic paraparesis

• HTLV transmitted through blood, sexual contact and breast feeding

Presentations

Spastic paraparesis

• UMN lesion

• Presents: hypertonia, weakness, hyperreflexia; sick contact

History

• Tr

Examination

Investigations

• HTLV antibody blood serology

Diagnosis

Diagnostic criteria: HTLV antibody blood serology

Differential diagnosis:

Classification: HTLV-1 or HTLV-2

Management

Acute: supportive

There is no acute or long term management options. 

Emphasis is on primary prevention and early diagnosis. 

References and Resources

1. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/human-t-lymphotropic-virus-type-1

Page written in 2024.