The seroprevalence of HTLV-1 in Neyshabour City, Northeast of Iran, during 2008-2009

Objective: HTLV-1 and HTLV-2 are widespread worldwide and endemic in several areas such as Northeastern Iran. The present survey aimed to determine the prevalence of HTLV-1 and HTLV-2 among healthy individuals in Neyshabour City during the years of 2010-2014. Methods: A total of 8054 blood samples were collected from participants referred to the great medical diagnostic laboratory in Neyshabur, Northeast Iran. Travelers to the city were excluded from the study. History of patients was also assessed for the existence of virus before test and likewise each of patient’s consent was prepared. The history of syringe transfusion and literacy of patients were also prepared. From each individual, 5 ml of blood sample was collected. Sera samples were prepared through centrifugation and stored at -20°C. Sera samples were screened for the presence of specific antibodies against HTLV-1 and HTLV-2 by the Enzyme-linked Immuno-sorbent Assay (ELISA) test (Dia.pro diagnostic bioprobes, Italy) according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Results: HTLV-1/ 2 infections were positive in 6.55% (528/8054) of the participants according to the results of ELISA test. The prevalence of total HTLV-1 and HTLV-2 in each year of 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014 was 6.82%, 6.15%, 6.2%, 5.18% and 4.31%, respectively. The individuals with more than 40 years had higher rate of infection (12% and upper). Conclusion: the both HTLV-1/ 2 infections were detected in healthy individuals blood donors in Neyshabur city during 2010-2014. The rate of infections showed a decrease state from far to the recent years.