HTLV-I/II and blood donors: determinants associated with seropositivity in a low risk population.
OBJECTIVE
Blood donors in Brazil have been routinely screened for HTLV-I/II since 1993. A study was performed to estimate the prevalence of HTLV-I/II infection in a low risk population and to better understand determinants associated with seropositivity.


METHODS
HTLV-I/II seropositive (n=135), indeterminate (n=167) and seronegative blood donors (n=116) were enrolled in an open prevalence prospective cohort study. A cross-sectional epidemiological study of positive, indeterminate and seronegative HTLV-I/II subjects was conducted to assess behavioral and environmental risk factors for seropositivity. HTLV-I/II serological status was confirmed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (EIA) and Western blot (WB).


RESULTS
The three groups were not homogeneous. HTLV-I/II seropositivity was associated to past blood transfusion and years of schooling, a marker of socioeconomic status, and use of non-intravenous illegal drugs.


CONCLUSIONS
The study results reinforce the importance of continuous monitoring and improvement of blood donor selection process.
Soares
Bernadette Catalan
BC
Fundação Hemominas, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brasil.
Proietti
Anna Bãrbara de F Carneiro
AB
Proietti
Fernando Augusto
FA
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood; D001782:Blood Donors; D001938:Brazil / Q000453:epidemiology; D004812:Epidemiologic Methods; D005260:Female; D015490:HTLV-I Infections / Q000097:blood / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000821:virology; D015491:HTLV-II Infections / Q000097:blood / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000821:virology; D015368:Human T-lymphotropic virus 1 / Q000302:isolation & purification; D015367:Human T-lymphotropic virus 2 / Q000302:isolation & purification; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged
D015415:Biomarkers