Epidemiological and virological factors associated with vertical transmission of HTLV-1 in Brazil

• Grant number: 19/26274-6
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: November 01, 2024
• End date: October 31, 2027
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Collective Health - Epidemiology
• Principal Investigator: Jorge Simao do Rosario Casseb
• Grantee: Jorge Simao do Rosario Casseb
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Medicina (FM). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Associated researchers: Tatiane Assone Casseb

Abstract

Human T-Cell Lymphotropic Virus Type 1 (HTLV-1), the first human retrovirus described, is the causative agent of a generally fatal T-cell Leukemia/Lymphoma and a progressive paraplegia called HTLV-1-associated myelopathy (HAM). ). There are at least 5-10 million people living with HTLV-1 (PVHTLV-1) in the world, almost more than a million in Brazil. Vertical transmission is perhaps the most important form of contamination for maintaining this endemic disease. It is important to highlight that the study of the placenta can determine important factors related to intrauterine vertical contamination, as well as the monitoring of the exposed child, and the implementation of dietary support without breastfeeding. This will enable monitoring and possible seroconversion over time. Therefore, focusing on women with HTLV-1 infection, this study aims to determine the factors involved in the vertical transmission of this infectious agent. Therefore, the study strategy will consist of three axes: 1) Epidemiological - It is proposed to identify in the participating centers the prevalence of pregnant women infected by HTLV-1; 2)Clinical - Clinically monitor, for 24 months, women of childbearing age identified in the first phase of the study and their offspring; and 3)Laboratory - investigate the presence of viral particles in the placental tissue, and evaluate the association of genes expressed in the placenta through intrauterine transmission. (AU)