Risk factors for human T cell lymphotropic virus type II infection among the Guaymi Indians of Panama.
To examine risk factors for human T cell lymphotropic virus type II (HTLV-II) infection, a case-control study was conducted among the Guaymi Indians of Panama. In females, HTLV-II seropositivity was associated with early sexual intercourse (</=13 vs. >15 years; odds ratio [OR], 2.50; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.11-6.14) and number of lifetime sex partners. One partner increased risk of seropositivity by 30% (OR, 1.30; CI, 1.05-1.64), and risk increased with number of partners. Similar risk was associated with number of long-term sexual relationships. Among males, intercourse with prostitutes was associated with HTLV-II seropositivity (OR, 1.68; CI, 1.04-2.72). These data support a role for sexual transmission in HTLV-II infection. Association of seropositivity with primary residence in a traditional village (OR, 3.75; CI, 1.02-15.38) and lack of formal education (0 vs. >6 years [OR, 3.89; CI, 1.67-9.82]) observed in males may reflect differences in sexual practices associated with acculturation.
Maloney
E M
EM
Viral Epidemiology Branch, Epidemiology and Biostatistics Program, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland 20892-7399, USA. maloneyb@epndce.nci.nih.gov
Armien
B
B
Gracia
F
F
Castillo
L
L
Kruger
H
H
Levin
A
A
Levine
P H
PH
Kaplan
J E
JE
Blattner
W A
WA
Giusti
R M
RM
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D015491:HTLV-II Infections / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000635:transmission; D006801:Humans; D007197:Indians, Central American; D008297:Male; D010176:Panama / Q000453:epidemiology; D012307:Risk Factors; D012309:Risk-Taking; D012737:Sex Factors; D011477:Sex Work; D012725:Sexual Behavior