Overview
HTLV-1 is transmitted through direct contact between infected and uninfected target cells, a process facilitated by cell-containing bodily fluids, including blood, breast milk, and semen. Globally, the main mechanism of HTLV-1 transmission among adults is thought to be through sexual contact. Evidence for this includes the typical age-associated prevalence increases and increased prevalence in populations with greater rates of sexually transmissible infections.
There is no vaccine for HTLV-1.
HTLV-1 Transmission
Refer to What is HTLV-1
HTLV-1 Prevention
HTLV-1 transmission can be prevented by:
- Using condoms to prevent sexual transmission
- Not sharing needles, syringes or other injecting equipment
- When undergoing cultural rituals where blood is involved, ensuring all equipment is single use and no blood-to-bloodstream contact occurs
- Not donating blood, semen, body organs, or other tissues
Prevention of Vertical Transmission
Refer to Prenatal and Postnatal Care for People Who Are Pregnant
References
- McGregor S, Legrand N, Naruka E, Chacon GP. Review of current literature and evidence on human t-lymphotropic virus type 1 infection.: Kirby Institute; 2024.
- Centre for Disease Control, Prevention, Group UW. Guidelines for counseling persons infected with human T-lymphotropic virus type I (HTLV-I) and type II (HTLV-II). Annals of Internal Medicine. 1993;118(6):448.
