Dermatologic lesions in asymptomatic blood donors seropositive for human T cell lymphotropic virus type-1.
Dermatologic manifestations are quite common in patients with adult T cell leukemia/lymphoma and myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis associated with infection with human T cell lymphotropic virus type-1 (HTLV-1). In this study, we evaluated the dermatologic lesions of eligible blood donors in the state of Minas Gerais in Brazil who were seropositive but asymptomatic for infection with HTLV-1. The study population was composed of 128 HTLV-1-seropositive individuals and 108 seronegative controls. All individuals underwent a dermatologic evaluation. Biopsy specimens were obtained from abnormal and normal skin samples of seropositive individuals in an attempt to detect HTLV-1 in tissue samples by a polymerase chain reaction. Dermatologic alterations were observed more frequently in the seropositive group (adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 8.77, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 4.11-18.71). The most common skin diseases were dermatophytoses (adjusted OR = 3.32, 95% CI = 1.50-7.35), seborrheic dermatitis (OR = 3.53, 95% CI = 0.67-24.66), and acquired ichthyosis (P = 0.001). Virus was detected more frequently in abnormal skin samples. Dermatologic lesions probably related to HTLV-1 infection were diagnosed in eligible blood donors who were infected with this virus, who were previously considered to be asymptomatic carriers of HTLV-1.
Gonçalves
Denise Utsch
DU
Department of Internal Medicine, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
Guedes
Antônio Carlos Martins
AC
Proietti
Anna Bárbara de Freitas Carneiro
AB
Martins
Marina Lobato
ML
Proietti
Fernando Augusto
FA
Lambertucci
José Roberto
JR
D000328:Adult; D001782:Blood Donors; D004279:DNA, Viral / Q000302:isolation & purification; D012628:Dermatitis, Seborrheic / Q000150:complications / Q000821:virology; D003881:Dermatomycoses / Q000150:complications / Q000821:virology; D005260:Female; D015481:HTLV-I Antibodies / Q000097:blood*; D015490:HTLV-I Infections / Q000150:complications*; D015368:Human T-lymphotropic virus 1 / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology* / Q000302:isolation & purification; D006801:Humans; D007057:Ichthyosis / Q000150:complications / Q000821:virology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D012867:Skin / Q000473:pathology / Q000821:virology*; D012871:Skin Diseases / Q000150:complications* / Q000821:virology
D004279:DNA, Viral; D015481:HTLV-I Antibodies