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HTLV-1/2 antenatal screening in Distrito Federal, Brazil: evaluation of programme implementation and public health impact
File(s)
Author(s)
Luz, Beatriz Maciel
Assone, Tatiane
Abreu, Ricardo Gadelha de
Genaro, Renato
Fonseca, Camila Nascimento Dantas
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
Abstract Background: The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) aims to eliminate HTLV-1 vertical transmission, and Brazil is rolling out an antenatal screening programme. Lessons can be learned from pioneer regions, such as Distrito Federal. Methods: This was a retrospective data analysis to assess operational aspects of the HTLV 1/2 antenatal testing strategy; a cross-sectional study with a questionnaire applied to women living with HTLV-1/2; and a study of children and adolescents born to women living with HTLV-1/2 to assess transmission rates. Results: Programme implementation reduced vertical transmission from 10.5% to 0%. Most women (82.1%) diagnosed with HTLV-1/2 completed the testing strategy by the second trimester of pregnancy. Only 3.7% were diagnosed after delivery (up to 61 days later). The median turnaround times for the screening and confirmatory tests were 7 and 12 days, respectively. Most women diagnosed with HTLV formula fed their babies (86.5%) and received free formula (78.4%). However, only half received formula before being discharged from maternity (51.3%). Only 16.2% of the children born after maternal diagnosis had been tested for HTLV-1/2 prior to the study, indicating poor coverage of infant testing. Conclusions: The programme implemented in Distrito Federal is effective in reducing HTLV-1 vertical transmission. Most women’s diagnoses are timely, allowing the implementation of measures to prevent transmission. The acceptance of exclusive formula feeding is high. The coverage of infant testing for HTLV-1 is limited. The data indicate that the implementation of a programme to eliminate HTLV-1 vertical transmission as a public
health concern is feasible in Brazil.
Keywords: HTLV; transmission; mother-to-child infection; public health; vertical
transmission; children
Date Acceptance
2026-10-26
Citation
Retrovirology
URI
ISSN
1742-4690
Publisher
BMC
Journal / Book Title
Retrovirology
Copyright Statement
Copyright This paper is embargoed until publication. Once published the Version of Record (VoR) will be available on immediate open access.
License URL
Publication Status
Accepted