Molecular evidence of HTLV-1 intrafamilial transmission in a non-endemic area in Argentina

J Med Virol. 2005 Jul;76(3):386-90. doi: 10.1002/jmv.20370.

Abstract

In the North of Argentina, an endemic area for HTLV-1, intrafamilial transmission of this virus has been observed. The HTLV-1 status in 13 family members of a seropositive blood donor from the central region of Argentina (non-endemic area) was investigated. According to serological and molecular assays, four members of this family (the blood donor, the husband, a son, and a daughter-in-law) proved to be HTLV-1 positive. LTR, tax, and env sequences from the provirus infecting the family members were identical. This strongly suggests the intrafamilial transmission of the virus. This study demonstrated intrafamilial transmission of HTLV-1 in a non-endemic area of Argentina.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Antibodies, Viral / blood
  • Argentina
  • DNA, Viral / chemistry
  • DNA, Viral / genetics
  • DNA, Viral / isolation & purification
  • Family Health
  • Female
  • Fluorescent Antibody Technique, Indirect
  • Gene Products, tax / genetics
  • Genes, env
  • Genes, pX
  • HTLV-I Infections / transmission*
  • HTLV-I Infections / virology
  • Human T-lymphotropic virus 1 / classification
  • Human T-lymphotropic virus 1 / genetics*
  • Human T-lymphotropic virus 1 / immunology
  • Human T-lymphotropic virus 1 / isolation & purification
  • Humans
  • Immunoblotting
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Pedigree
  • Phylogeny
  • Proviruses / genetics
  • Sequence Analysis, DNA
  • Terminal Repeat Sequences

Substances

  • Antibodies, Viral
  • DNA, Viral
  • Gene Products, tax

Associated data

  • GENBANK/AY347748
  • GENBANK/AY347749
  • GENBANK/AY347750
  • GENBANK/AY347751
  • GENBANK/AY349143
  • GENBANK/AY349144
  • GENBANK/AY349145
  • GENBANK/AY349146