HTLV seroprevalence in people using HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis in England.

Authors :: Bradshaw D
Khawar A
Patel P
Tosswill J
Brown C
Ogaz D
Mason E
Osman R
Mitchell H
Dosekun O
Peris BM
Pickard G
Rayment M
Jones R
Hopkins M
Williams A
Kingston M
Machin N
Taha Y
Duncan S
Turner N
Gill N
Andrews N
Raza M
Tazzyman S
Nori A
Cunningham E
Taylor GP
Source :: The Journal of infection [J Infect] 2023 Mar; Vol. 86 (3), pp. 245-247. Date of Electronic Publication: 2023 Feb 10.
Publication Year :: 2023
Abstract: Objectives: HTLV-1 is predominantly a sexually-transmitted infection but testing is not mentioned in HIV-PrEP guidelines. We ascertained HTLV-1/HTLV-2 seroprevalence amongst HIV-PrEP users in England. Methods: An unlinked anonymous seroprevalence study. Results: Amongst 2015 HIV-PrEP users, 95% were men, 76% of white ethnicity and 83% had been born in Europe. There were no HTLV-1/HTLV-2 seropositive cases (95% confidence interval 0% - 0.18%). Conclusions: There were no HTLV positive cases, likely reflecting the demographic of mostly white and European-born individuals. Similar studies are needed worldwide to inform public health recommendations for HIV-PrEP using populations, particularly in HTLV-endemic settings. Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest None (Copyright © 2023. Published by Elsevier Ltd.)