Prevalence and incidence of early central nervous system disturbance in HTLV-1-infected subjects in Brazil

Abstract

There are approximately 20 million people infected with HTLV-1 worldwide, and Brazil has approximately 1 million of persons living with HTLV-1 infection (PLHTLV). Despite few patients (<5%) will develop classical syndromes (ATLL and HAM/TSP) life long, preliminary observations indicate that other symptoms, including xerosis, sicca and may develop. However, minor neurological disturbances which have been not studied may cause impact over the patients. These non-characterized symptoms may pass undercover and have impact on quality of life in these HTLV-1-infected subjects. In this regard, the Project aims at understanding the basic mechanisms of HTLV-1 to identify risk factors for minor neurological disturbances. The results of such studies are expected to produce gains in the development of new inputs, as well as serve as biomarkers of progression, the control of these diseases and impact on quality of life. Fundamentally, this proposal will support the Nucleus of Research Support (NAP)-Retrovirus-USP which has as main purpose to integrate several lines of research and organizing processes that can result in improvements in the health care of people infected by retroviruses, such as HTLV-1 infection. Moreover, the Project aims to empower staff in improving technologies for research and care of patients with retroviruses, especially HTLV-1-infected subjects with minor symptoms, probably neglected during the regular primary care. Finally, the integration of different expertise in different areas contributed to the scientific and technological development in the country, which may allow a significant improvement in clinical care, diagnosis and treatment of people living with HTLV-1, especially those with minor neurological disturbances. (AU)