Prevalence and factors associated with human T-lymphotropic virus infection in military personnel

Otivo R.M.; León K.A.; Sosa S.O.; Dávila A.R.; Lopez Peña J.; Aliaga C.R.; Guerra F.A.; Vivas G.C. · Revista Cubana de Medicina Militar (2026)

Resumen

Introduction: Human T-cell lymphotropic virus (HTLV) is a retrovirus endemic to some regions of Peru; it is associated with diseases such as adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma and tropical spastic paraparesis. Military personnel, due to their deployment and exposure, may constitute a risk group for sexually transmitted infections. Objective: To determine the seroprevalence and factors associated with HTLV infection in military personnel. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 232 military personnel at a military base located in the central Andes of Peru. A structured questionnaire was administered, and a blood sample was taken for viral detection using an enzyme-linked fluorescent assay. Coinfections with HIV, hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus, and syphilis were evaluated. Logistic regression was used to analyze associated factors. Results: The seroprevalence of HTLV infection was 2.58%. Cases of coinfection with other viral infections were found. The 18-25 age group showed the highest prevalence (11.3%). A significant association was observed between a history of sexually transmitted infections and positivity for human T-cell lymphotropic virus (odds ratio: 4.3; 95% CI: 1.1–16.4; p = 0.03). Conclusions: There is an intermediate seroprevalence of HTLV in the studied military personnel, most frequently associated with a history of sexually transmitted infections. The association found with other sexually transmitted infections reinforces the predominant role of sexual transmission in this context.

Instituciones: Universidad Nacional del Centro del Perú