RT Journal Article ID 1b889c2e592f466b A1 Edlich, Richard A1 Hill, Lisa G. A1 Williams, Freddie M. T1 An Update on the Global Epidemic of Human T-Cell Lymphotrophic Virus Type-I (HTLV-I) JF Journal of Long-Term Effects of Medical Implants JO JLT YR 2017 FD 2018-04-30 VO 27 IS 2-4 SP 309 OP 324 K1 human T-cell lymphotrophic virus-I K1 human T-cell lymphotrophic virus-II K1 human immunodeficiency virus K1 adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma K1 HTLV-I-associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis K1 seroprevalence K1 transmission K1 public AB Infection with human T-cell lymphotrophic virus-I (HTLV-I) is now a global epidemic, affecting 10 to 20 million people. This virus has been linked to life-threatening, incurable diseases, adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATLL), and HTLV-I associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP), as well as several chronic illnesses, such as uveitis and dermatitis. The cumulative lifetime risk of developing these incurable diseases is approximately 5% in asymptomatic patients. For operating room personnel performing surgery among patients from high-risk groups, HTLV-I and its associated diseases are presenting an increasing challenge. This report describes its transmission, seroprevalence, treatment, and public health initiatives that must be instituted to prevent the spread of this retrovirus. Coinfection with HTLV-I and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) has been shown to accelerate the progression of acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). PB Begell House LK https://www.dl.begellhouse.com/journals/1bef42082d7a0fdf,653bafd45309845f,1b889c2e592f466b.html