Relative Frequency of HTLV-І Infection in Blood Donors in Ahvaz, Southwest of Iran

Introduction: Human T-lymphotropic virus type I (HTLV-I) is recognized as the first human retrovirus. It constitutes a significant health concern in endemic areas, with HTLV-۱ primarily disseminated through infected biological fluids, such as blood, breast milk, and semen. Contributory risk factors encompass unprotected sexual intercourse, intravenous drugs use, tissue transplantation, as well as blood and blood component donation. HTLV-I is implicated in two critical pathologies: Adult T-cell leukemia and tropical spastic paraparesis. The geographic prevalence of HTLV-I exhibits global variability, including within the context of Iran. This investigation was undertaken to assess the prevalence of the HTLV-I virus among blood donors in Ahvaz. Materials & Methods: In this cross-sectional analysis, a total of ۷۷۷ blood donors were enrolled, comprising ۷۷۱(۹۹.۲%) males and ۶(۰.۸%) females, with a mean age of ۳۸.۰۸±۸.۴۲ years. All blood specimens were systematically evaluated for HTLV-I antibodies utilizing enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in accordance with the manufacturer’s protocols. Results: Positive cases were identified through polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis utilizing peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) derived from the positive ELISA blood specimen. Among the ۷۷۷ blood donors, a single case (۰.۱%) tested positive for the HTLV-І antibody. The individual in question was a ۳۵-year-old male married with no documented history of blood transfusions, surgical procedures, dialysis, intravenous drug use, phlebotomy, or engagement in high-risk sexual behaviors, either personally or through his spouse. The PCR analysis yielded a negative result. Conclusion: The findings of this investigation indicate that HTLV-І infection is not endemic among blood donors in Ahvaz, and thus, the screening of blood samples for HTLV-І infection in this region does not seem to be warranted.

کلیدواژه ها:

Human T-lymphotropic virus type I (HTLV-І) ، Blood donors ، Ahvaz ، Endemic