Human T lymphotrophyic virus type 1

Synonyms

HTLV-1.

Definition

HTLV-1 is the virus associated with adult T-cell lymphoma/leukemia (ATLL).

Disease Associations

Symptoms

Infection with HTLV-1 results in ATLL, a peripheral T cell malignancy characterized by several signs and symptoms which usually develop acutely. These may include leukocytosis with abnormal lymphocyte morphology, hypercalcemia, lytic bone lesions, generalized lymphadenopathy, skin lesions resembling mycosis fungoides, hepatosplenomegaly and interstitial pulmonary infiltrates. It is important to note that ATLL presents in a variety of ways with several other less common manifestations. It also may present as a chronic or subacute illness.

Assessment

In ATLL, the T-cell receptor genes are clonally rearranged with integration of the HTLV-1 genome. Common karyotype changes include trisomy and partial trisomy of various genes. Infection with HTLV-1 is endemic in certain parts of the world including southern Japan, Jamaica, Trinidad, Africa and the southeastern...