Highly endemic human T-lymphotropic virus type II (HTLV-II) infection in a Venezuelan Guahibo Amerindian group
Article Abstract:
A fairly large percentage of the Guahibo Amerindian group in South America appears to be infected with the human T-lymphotropic virus type II (HTLV-II). Researchers tested 166 members of the group, which lives mostly in Columbia and Venezuela, for HTLV-II and found that 25% were positive. Sexual intercourse appears to be the primary means of transmission. The virus does not appear to be effectively transmitted via breast milk. None of the group has developed lymphoma or any other disease as a result of HTLV-II infection, indicating that the virus is relatively benign in this population.
Publication Name: Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes and Human Retrovirology
Subject: Health
ISSN: 1077-9450
Year: 1996
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Expansion of clonotypic T-cell populations in the peripheral blood of asymptomatic Gran Chaco Amerindians infected with HTLV-IIB
Article Abstract:
A genetic variant in human T-cells of South American Indians infected with human T-cell leukemia virus (HTLV-IIB) may indicate more progressive disease. These viruses have been associated with leukemia, autoimmune disorders, and neurodegenerative disease, and HTLV infection is endemic among Gran Chaco Amerindians in Paraguay and Argentina. Researchers performed genetic analysis of 30 HTLV-IIB-infected people and 30 uninfected people. HTLV-IIB infection was associated with V-beta clonotypic T-cell expansion, a finding which may be useful in developing more sensitive tests.
Publication Name: Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes and Human Retrovirology
Subject: Health
ISSN: 1077-9450
Year: 1998
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Endemic infection with HTLV-IIB in Venezuelan Indians: molecular characterization
Article Abstract:
Most Yaruro and Guahibo Indians in Venezuela appear to be infected with human T-cell lymphotrophic virus (HTLV). HTLV is a retrovirus associated with lymphomas and leukemias, cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, and other conditions. Researchers collected blood samples from 41 Venezuelan Indians, and found that 61% were infected with HTLV-IIB. Transmission from mother to child, and sexual transmission, are most predominant. Yaruro Indians practice polygamy, so infected males are likely to expose several females to the virus during their lifetime.
Publication Name: Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes and Human Retrovirology
Subject: Health
ISSN: 1077-9450
Year: 1998
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