Seroprevalence of HTLV-1 and 2 in organ donors and kidney transplant recipients

Colombia 2010-2017

Abstract

Since 2004, in Colombia, the detection of human T-cell lymphotropic virus type 1 and 2 (HTLV-1-2) has been recommended for organ donors and recipients. The prevention of HTLV-1 and 2 infection in recipients is important due to its relationship with lymphoproliferative and inflammatory diseases and opportunistic infections. The objective of this study was to describe the seroprevalence of HTLV-1 and 2 among organ donors and kidney transplant recipients between 2010 and 2017 in Colombia.

Methods: this was a descriptive study which included 1979 organ donors and 3,311 kidney transplant recipients from the donation and transplant network from 2010 to 2017. The seroprevalence of HTLV-1 and 2 was calculated, and serological and demographic variables were described.

Results: out of 1979 donors, detection of antibodies against HTLV-1 was performed in 92% (1820), with a seroprevalence of 0.2%; 50% of the cases were from the Pacific region (an endemic zone in Colombia). Ninety percent of the donors were examined for HTLV-2, with a seroprevalence of 0.2%. Of the 3311 kidney recipients between 2010 and 2017, only 44% were evaluated for HTLV-1 and 43% for HTLV-2. The seroprevalence for both viruses was 0.3%. Two of the HTLV-1 cases were positive for HLADRB1*01.

Conclusions: the seroprevalence found in organ donors and kidney transplant recipients was similar to that previously reported in Colombia. Screening of all potential donors must be adhered to prevent transmission of this virus.