Deltaretrovirus Infections

Deltaretrovirus infections are primarily associated with the Human T-Cell Lymphotropic Virus (HTLV), a group of retroviruses that predominantly infect T lymphocytes. HTLV is divided into subtypes, with HTLV-1 and HTLV-2 being the most clinically significant. HTLV-1 is linked to various diseases, including Adult T-Cell Leukemia/Lymphoma (ATLL) and a progressive neurological disorder known as HTLV-1-associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP). Infection occurs through contact with contaminated blood, sexual transmission, and from mother to child through breastfeeding. While the majority of individuals infected with HTLV-1 remain asymptomatic carriers, a subset develops severe complications. Diagnosis involves serological testing and molecular assays. There is no specific antiviral treatment for HTLV-1, and management focuses on treating associated conditions. Prevention strategies include promoting safe sexual practices, avoiding sharing of needles, and discouraging breastfeeding in infected mothers to reduce transmission risk.