Co-Infection with Hepatitis C Virus and Human T Lymphocyte Virus

Most individuals infected with human T lymphocyte virus (HTLV) type 1 or 2 will not develop the disease related to this virus, remaining asymptomatic for the rest of their lives. This fact has important implications for prospective counseling and evaluation of this population. Individuals infected with this virus, once identified, should be submitted to anamnesis and complete physical examination (in order to identify early manifestations of the disease and probable forms of acquiring the infection) and should be periodically evaluated every 6-12 months. It is recommended that injection drug users be tested for other pathogens common to this population, such as the hepatitis B virus, the hepatitis C virus (HCV), HIV, etc. It is recommended that partners of sexually active individuals be tested for HTLV. Children of women infected with HTLV-1 should be tested. Follow-up evaluations should include the following periodic laboratory tests (every 6-12 months): complete blood workups with platelet counts; parasitological stool examination (testing for Strongyloides); urine and urine sediment test (urinary infection). Although the proviral load of HTLV-1 is still under evaluation and has yet to be validated, some studies recommend annual quantification.