Do any other retroviruses cause rheumatic diseases

Do any other retroviruses cause rheumatic diseases?

Human T lymphotropic virus type I (HTLV-I) is a complex type C RNA retrovirus. It infects millions worldwide, particularly in the Caribbean, southern Japan, South Africa, and South America, especially Brazil. It is transmitted by breast milk, sexual intercourse, and blood products. The virus causes two types of disease: first, adult T-cell leukemia/non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (lifetime risk 5%) frequently with hypercalcemia and skin involvement; and second, a variety of chronic inflammatory syndromes (lifetime risk 2%). These inflammatory syndromes include a seronegative oligo or polyarthritis with tenosynovitis and nodules with fibrinoid necrosis. Other syndromes include PM-like disease, dermatitis, uveitis, or transverse myelitis, also known as HTLV-1-associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis. Diagnosis is made by detection of antibodies using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay with confirmation by Western blot and observing “ flower cells ” on peripheral smear. Treatment options are poor. Cases of this viral infection are being seen more frequently in the United States as a result of immigration.

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