Human T-Lymphotropic Virus-1/2 Detected in Drug Abused Prisoners Imprisoned in Correctional Facilities in Central of Java Indonesia

Abstract

Introduction: Human T cell lymphotropic virus types 1 and 2 (HTLV-1/2) has been believed not circulate in Indonesia yet. This study evaluated the prevalence of HTLV-1 and 2 in drug abused prisoners imprisoned in correctional facilities in Central of Java Indonesia, to track the presentation of HTLV-1/2 in Indonesia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in two prisons (Kedung Pane Male Prison Semarang and Women Prison Semarang) in Central of Java Indonesia between August 2009 and October 2009. All drug abused prisoners in both prisons were enrolled in this study (n = 148). Questionnaires were retrieved and bloods were tested in the period using enzyme linked immuno sorbent assays. The serological positive results were then confirmed by RT-PCR nested addressed the part of HTLV-1 LTR and HTLV-2 LTR region, respectively. Results: The average seroprevalence in the period was 1.4% (2/148). All positive serological samples were confirmed by nested RT-PCR. Of these, one was HTLV-1 positive and one was HTLV-2 positive. Molecular analysis of positive PCR products revealed that the HTLV-1 isolate had close relationship with HTLV-1 isolated in Japan while the HTLV-2 isolate with that of isolated in USA. Conclusions: HTLV-1 and HTLV-2 were detected in drug abused prisoners imprisoned in correctional facilities in Central of Java Indonesia indicated that these viruses were circulated in Indonesia.