HTLV-1/2 serodetection and predictors among HIV-positive individuals receiving combination antiretroviral therapy in Ogbomoso, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Human T-cell leukemia/lymphotropic virus (HTLV) coinfection with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is common due to shared route of transmission and changes the course of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Knowledge of the extent of coinfection and its predictors will aid in the prescription and implementation of appropriate preventive measures and better management of patients. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of HTLV-1/2 and associated risk factors in HIV/AIDS patients receiving antiretroviral treatment in Ogbomoso, Nigeria. Methods: Blood samples were collected from a total of 200 HIV-infected persons, including 54 (27%) men and 146 (73%) women, all of whom were receiving combination antiretroviral treatment (cART) at Oyo State Hospital, Ogbomoso, Nigeria. Plasma from the blood was tested for HTLV-1/2 antibodies using the linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique. Chi square test was used to determine predictors of infection (p˂0.05). Results: The majority of the patients 71(35.5%) were within the age group 41-50, 164(82.0%) diagnosed of HIV more than 2 years ago, 143(71.5%) on cART for over 2 years, 113(56.5%) with CD4+ count of ≥200 cells/mm3, and 117(56.5%) at WHO clinical stage 1 of infection. Of these, 1 (0.50%) was HTLV-1/2 seropositive. Time on cART and CD4+ count were significantly (p˂0.05) associated with HIV/HTLV-1/2 coinfection. Conclusion: Although a relatively low prevalence of HTLV-I/2 was reported, routine screening of all HIV-infected persons is advocated for early detection and appropriate choice of treatment regimen.