Epidemiological Evidence of Nosocomial and Zoonotic Transmission of Human T-Cell Leukemia Virus-1 in a Large Survey in a Rural Population of Central Africa. (22nd July 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ramassamy, Jill-Léa; Bilounga Ndongo, Chanceline; Nnuka, Patrick; Antunes, Maëlle; Le Mener, Margot; Betsem a Betsem, Edouard; Njouom, Richard; Cassar, Olivier; Fontanet, Arnaud; Gessain, Antoine
• Is Part Of: Journal of infectious diseases. Volume 227:Number 6(2023)
• Page Start: 752
• Page End: 760
• Publication Date: 2022-07-22
• Subjects: Cameroon -- HTLV-1 -- central Africa -- cross-sectional survey -- epidemiology -- nosocomial -- zoonoses; Communicable diseases -- Periodicals; Diseases -- Causes and theories of causation -- Periodicals; Medicine -- Periodicals; Communicable Diseases -- Periodicals; Electronic journals; 616.9
• DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiac312
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0022-1899

Abstract

Abstract: Background: Central Africa is one of the largest areas of high endemicity for human T-cell leukemia virus-1 (HTLV-1). However, no preventive measures are yet implemented to reduce its transmission, which can be sexual, from mother-to-child, or through contaminated blood products. Rare zoonotic transmissions from nonhuman primates (NHPs) have also been reported in this region. Here we investigated the HTLV-1 prevalence and associated risk factors in a rural population in Cameroon. Methods: From 2019 to 2021, we performed a cross-sectional survey in the eastern region of Cameroon. HTLV-1 infection was first screened by ELISA, then tested by western blot and envelope gene targeted polymerase chain reaction. Risk factors associated with HTLV-1 infection were identified by logistic regression in univariable and multivariable analyses. Results: Among 3400 participants, HTLV-1 prevalence was 1.1% (95% confidence interval [CI], .7–1.5). Factors independently associated with HTLV-1 infection were Pygmy ethnicity (adjusted odd ratio [aOR], 2.9; 95% CI, 1.3–6.2), history of surgery (aOR, 6.3; 95% CI, 2.2–17.8), and NHP bite (aOR, 6.6; 95% CI, 2.2–19.8). Conclusions: These results suggest both iatrogenic and zoonotic transmission of HTLV-1 in Cameroon. Further studies are needed to assess the risk of nosocomial transmission of HTLV-1, to guide public health authorities in implementing preventive measures to control HTLV-1 transmission. Abstract : Among 3, 400 rural adult participants from East Cameroon, HTLV-1 prevalence was 1.1%. Independent factors associated with the infection were Pygmy ethnicity, history of surgery and non-human primate bite, suggesting both nosocomial and zoonotic transmission of HTLV-1 in this region.