The Human T Cell Leukaemia Virus type 1 (HTLV-1) is a human retrovirus that seems to be associated with clinical disease in approximately
10% of people infected — the vast majority will never develop symptoms
HTLV-1 is the recognised cause of adult T cell leukaemia/lymphoma (ATL) and HTLV-1 associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP)
HTLV-1 is also associated with inflammatory diseases including bronchiectasis, uveitis,
infective dermatitis and severe infections with strongyloides, stercoralis and scabies
Assessment
Consider HTLV-1 in an Indigenous person with
Progressive difficulties with walking or passing urine
Review previous specialist assessments and hospital admissions — check if previous
testing for HTLV-1
Medical consult
Ask
About anyone else in the family with similar problem
Check
Full adult health check — including medical consult for gait and neurological examination
Do
Medical consult for referral to infectious disease specialist
Follow-up
Reinforce safe sex messages and advise not to share razors or needles — to prevent
spread of HTLV-1 infection
Specialist advice for
Care plan
Frequent or unresolving skin and lung infections
Breastfeeding women with HTLV-1 — may be advised to cease breastfeeding after 6 months
depending on capacity to provide safe alternatives and risk of transmission