Common origin of human T-lymphotropic virus type-I from Iran, Kuwait, Israel, and La Réunion Island

Abstract

We found previously that Kuwaiti HTLV-I isolates had two nucleotide substitutions in the most frequently sequenced regions of HTLV-I genome, namely: T-->C 4783 in the pol and T-->C 6569 the env genes. These substitutions were observed rarely in other HTLV-I isolates and seemed to be good markers of the HTLV-I lineage, the "epicentre" of which was located in Mashhad, Iran. To test this hypothesis we sequenced the fragments of HTLV-I genome including sites 4783 and 6569 from seven isolates obtained from the Iranians either living in (five isolates) or originating from (two isolates) Mashhad. RFLP-based tests were also designed and used for typing of the substitutions. All seven isolates were positive for T-->C 4783 and six, from which env fragment was amplifiable, were also positive for T-->C 6569. It is highly probable that all the isolates from Mashhadi Jews belong to the same HTLV-I lineage, although they were not typed yet for the presence of T-->C 6569 substitution. Only 2 "non-Middle Eastern" HTLV-1, both from La Réunion Island were positive for both of the substitutions. Another possible member of Mashhadi lineage of HTLV-I is one isolate from southern India and two isolates from the American Indians, British Columbia, Canada. The determination of the T-->C 4783 and T-->C 6569 markers in HTLV-I isolates of different geographical/ethnic origin may be useful for the reconstruction of the routes of HTLV-I spread from the Middle East and/or Indian subcontinent to other regions of the world and, possibly, for gaining insights into the origin of HTLV-I in Asia.

Human T-Lymphotropic Virus Type 1 Prevalence in Northeastern Iran, Sabzevar: An Epidemiologic-Based Study and Phylogenetic Analysis

“…33 Despite the common origin and similarity of the virus in the region, different prevalences of HTLV-I have been reported in countries near Iran such as Kuwait, Iraq, and Turkmenistan. [34][35][36] Furthermore, the social interaction among countries such as international trade, tourism, and pilgrimage seems to be playing a pivotal role in virus distribution. 37 In fact, the real reason for the extreme variation of the prevalence of HTLV-I in the continents, the countries, or even in different parts of a country is a challenging issue; thus, it is difficult to explain the FIG.…”

Genomic instability and rapid clinical course in adult T-cell lymphoma/leukemia patient

“…The family roots in three described Kuwaiti patients were located to Iraq in Najaf, which population had historically strong ties with the Mashdad region of Iran. Molecular characterization of HTLV-1 found revealed close similarity with HTLV-1 isolates originating from Mashhad in these Kuwaiti patients, suggesting the common origin of Kuwaiti (Najafi) and Mashhadi HTLV-1 infection [26,27]. In addition, a relatively high prevalence of HTLV-1 infection (1:4648) was found among volunteer blood donors in Kuwait [28].…”

“…Subsequent studies confirmed, that a relatively high prevalence of HTLV-I infection can be detected in Israel, confined almost exclusively to the immigrants from Mashhad, in so-called Mashhadi Jews. Then it has been shown that the high prevalence of HTLV-I infection is also characteristic for the Muslim population of Mashhad and for additional regions in Iran [25,26]. A low prevalence and sporadic cases of HTLV-I has been described in Iraq and, more recently, in Kuwait [26][27][28].…”

“…Then it has been shown that the high prevalence of HTLV-I infection is also characteristic for the Muslim population of Mashhad and for additional regions in Iran [25,26]. A low prevalence and sporadic cases of HTLV-I has been described in Iraq and, more recently, in Kuwait [26][27][28]. The family roots in three described Kuwaiti patients were located to Iraq in Najaf, which population had historically strong ties with the Mashdad region of Iran.…”

Comparison of seropositivity of human T lymphotropic virus type 1 in mycosis fungoides patients and normal volunteers: A case-control study and review of literature

“…It was found that the HTLV-1 infection in Israel is limited to Jews originating from Iran, mostly from Mashhad. [11] Therefore, controversy of association of MF and HTLV-1 from one side and endemic status of MF in Iran from another side, persuaded us to retrospectively investigate on the rate of HTLV-1 infection in Iranian MF patients and compare it with its normal rate in Iranian population in a case-control study.…”