Document Type : Review Article
Authors
1
MSc of Midwifery, Department of Nursing, Esfarayen Faculty of Medical Sciences, Esfarayen, Iran
2
Assistant Professor, Department of Basic Sciences, Esfarayen Faculty of Medical Sciences, Esfarayen, Iran
3
MSc of Nursing, Department of Nursing, Esfarayen Faculty of Medical Sciences, Esfarayen, Iran
10.48305/jims.v43.i836.1390
Abstract
Background: Human T-Cell Lymphotrophic Virus Type 1 (HTLV-1) currently has no definitive vaccine or treatment. Iran is an endemic area for this infection. The present study was carried out with the aim of knowing HTLV-1, including pathogenicity, diagnosis, and strategies to prevent perinatal transmission of the infection.
Methods: In this narrative review, Persian and English articles on the pathogenesis, diagnosis, and prevention of perinatal HTLV-1 transmission in pregnant women, published up to March 2024, were identified. Scientific databases including SID, Magiran, PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Web of Science were searched.
Findings: HTLV-1 is primarily transmitted through cell-to-cell contact. Studies indicate that breastfeeding is the most important route of vertical transmission. For this reason, the use of frozen milk, exclusive formula feeding, short-term breastfeeding (less than 3 months), milk pasteurization, and the use of milk banks have been suggested as effective preventive measures. exclusive formula feeding is considered the safest method. A maternal blood viral load exceeding 1% and maternal infection with adult T-cell leukemia-lymphoma have been associated with an increased risk of mother-to-child transmission. Therefore, for these mothers, suggested interventions include antiretroviral therapy during pregnancy, elective caesarean section before the onset of labor, avoidance of breastfeeding, and initiation of a 6-week postnatal antiretroviral prophylaxis regimen for the infant.
Conclusion: Given the association of HTLV-1 with various diseases and the high risk of vertical transmission through breastfeeding, it is recommended to screen pregnant women in endemic areas and to develop standardized protocols for the prevention of perinatal HTLV-1 transmission.
Highlights
Ashraf Saber: Google Scholar
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