Seroprevalence of HTLV-type-1 and type-2 among blood donors in some Iraqi provinces

Abstract

Context: Human T-cell lymphotropic viruses Type 1&2 (HTLV-1&2) screening test is endemic in some Iraq’s provinces. HTLV-1&2 test is not performed in routine screening tests of Iraqi blood donors banks. With my thought it represent essential test to prevent complications the virus in our country and other neighbour countries in Middle East. The results of the following study do not included all Iraq’s provinces but only seven provinces (Baghdad, Karbala, Al-Qadisiyyah, Al-Najaf, Al-Muthanna, Al-Basrah, Wasit). Aims: to review prevalence of HTLV-1&2 infections among Iraq’s blood donors. Settings and Design: The study where performed in Iraqi National blood bank in Baghdad city and national companies for blood donation in Karbala and Najaf provinces, the study included 15239 blood donors. Methods and Material: ELISA (Murex HTLV 1&2 Ab, USA, LOT: D3101210) 480.T was used for HTLV screening for detection antibodies to HTLV-1&2 in the serum of human followed by accurate confirmatory test CMIA (Chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay) architect plus for confirmatory. Results: The study included 15239 blood donors, thirty nine of him appeared seropositive for HTLV-1&2, and the prevalence of HTLV-1&2 was appeared in some provinces of Iraq country highly prevalence of HTLV-1&2 were seen in Baghdad 24(61.5%), then Karbala 5(12.8%), Al-Qadisiyyah 4(10.2%), Al-Najaf 2 (5.1%), Al-Muthanna 2 (5.1%), Al-Basrah1(2.5%), and Wasit province1 (2.5%) respectively. Conclusions: first study conducted in Iraq in 2015 appeared the prevalence of HTLV-1&2 infections among blood donors only in six provinces and not included all Iraq’s provinces. So another study is requested for determination the distribution of HTLV-1&2 in all Iraq’s provinces, districts and areas.