Serological detection of human T-cell lymphotropic virus types I and II among pregnant women in Ilorin, Nigeria

Abstract

Human T-cell lymphotropic virus types I/II (HTLV-I/II) is endemic in some parts of the world including Nigeria. Reported prevalence rates in Nigeria have largely focused on blood donors. This study aims at determining the prevalence of HTLV infection among pregnant women in Ilorin North-central Nigeria. Serum samples from 276 pregnant women who were antenatal clinic attendees at General and Civil Service Hospitals in Ilorin were tested for the presence of HTLV-I/II antibodies using Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay test kits from Diagnostic Automation INC., USA. Out of the 276 women tested, 3 tested positive giving a prevalence rate of 1.1%. The result was analyzed on the basis of age, marital status, nature of family, educational status, occupation, religion, parity, and gestational stage of the women. There was no statistical association of HTLV positivity with any of the variables. Although relatively lower than prevalence rate recorded among similar study groups in other parts of the country, the 1.1% prevalence in this study underscores the need for proper education and creation of awareness among antenatal clinic attendees, so as to reduce viral transmission and incidence of HTLV-related diseases.

How do socioeconomic determinants of health affect the likelihood of living with HTLV-1 globally? A systematic review with meta-analysis

“…Eighteen papers assessed income ( 23 , 26–30 , 33 , 35 , 39 , 40 , 43 , 47 , 48 , 50 , 51 , 53 , 56 , 62 ), and of these, only four papers found a statistically significant association between income and the likelihood of having HTLV-1 ( 39 , 40 , 47 , 48 ). Lastly, six papers assessed employment ( 42 , 47 , 50 , 52 , 55 , 59 ) and none found a statistically significant association for this variable. The characteristics of selected studies are summarized in Supplementary Table S3 .…”

“…Thirty-seven papers assessed level of education in relation to HTLV-1 infection ( 21–39 , 41 , 42 , 44–51 , 54–61 ). Eighteen papers assessed income ( 23 , 26–30 , 33 , 35 , 39 , 40 , 43 , 47 , 48 , 50 , 51 , 53 , 56 , 62 ), and six assessed employment status ( 42 , 47 , 50 , 52 , 55 , 59 ). The characteristics of selected studies are summarized in Supplementary Table S3 .…”