The Impact of Counseling on Prevention Program in Saga Prefecture for Mother-to-Child Transmission of HTLV-1

Abstract

HTLV-1 is a causative virus of adult T-Cell Leukemia / Lymphoma (ATL) and HTLV-1 associated myelopathy (HAM). It is endemic to southern Japan and several other countries. Since the most common transmission route of the virus is breastfeeding, a nationwide screening program for HTLV-1 infection status of pregnant women has been started. After notification of seropositive for HTLV-1, the mother will experience various delicate problems: breast feeding choice to prevent transmission of the virus to her child, her own health condition, and misunderstanding about the virus among family members. To solve such distresses, various support systems are needed for medical care of HTLV-1-infected pregnant women. Specifically, mental care after recognition of HTLV-1 infection in pregnant women is an essential for support.We recently opened an outpatient clinic focused on HTLV-1-related diseases, including HTLV-1 carriers. A clinical psychologist is participating in collaboration with doctors in the clinic, and mental support will start if the patients are experiencing distress because of HTLV-1 infection. In this paper, we report the data on our clinic focused on HTLV-1-related diseases, and summarize the psychological problems of in HTLV-1-infected pregnant women.