Risk factors for HTLV-1 infection in Central Africa: A rural population-based survey in Gabon.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Human T-Lymphotropic Virus type 1 (HTLV-1) is a human oncoretrovirus that infects at least 5 to 10 million people worldwide and is associated with severe diseases. Africa appears as the largest HTLV-1 endemic area. However, the risk factors for the acquisition of HTLV-1 remain poorly understood in Central Africa.

Methods

We conducted an epidemiological survey between 2013 and 2017, in rural areas of 6 provinces of Gabon, in a rainforest environment. Epidemiological data were obtained and blood samples were collected after informed consent. Plasma were screened for HTLV-1 antibodies by ELISA and the positive samples were then tested by Western blot (WB). Genomic DNA derived from buffy-coat was subjected to two semi-nested PCRs amplifying either HTLV-1 env gene or L

SUBMITTER: Djuicy DD 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6200283 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature