🧬 Chapter 323 · Human T-Cell Leukemia Viruses (HTLV-1 & HTLV-2)

Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics 22nd Edition | HTLV-1 is a human retrovirus associated with adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATL) and HTLV-1-associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP). Transmission: mother-to-child (breastfeeding), sexual contact, blood products. Lifetime risk of disease ~5-10%. HTLV-2 is less pathogenic, rarely associated with neurologic disease. No specific antiviral treatment. Prevention: avoid breastfeeding in endemic areas (or short-term exclusive breastfeeding with prophylaxis), screen blood donors.