Prevalence of human T-cell lymphotropic virus and the socio-demographic and risk factors associated with the infection among post-natal clinics women in Zaria, Nigeria

ABSTRACT Introduction: Human T-cell lymphotropic virus has long been associated with Adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma, HTLV-associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis, and hairy cell leukemia. Aim: The aim was to determine the prevalence of HTLV antibodies as well as the socio-demographic and risk factors associated with HTLV among women attending postnatal clinics in Zaria. Methodology: A total of 190 samples were collected within the months of January and June 2017 and qualitative determination of antibodies for HTLV in serum was performed by an antigen sandwich enzyme immunoassay method. Results: The study established an HTLV infection prevalence of 3.2% (6/190). Higher prevalence was observed among women from polygamous families [6.2% (4/64)], the self-employed [6.5% (4/62)], those in age group of 15–25 years [6.2% (5/72)] and women with only primary education [5.9% (2/32)] although the associations were not statistically significant. Similarly, there was no significant association between HTLV infection and history of family cancer (P = .629), intravenous drug use (P = .682), sharing of sharp objects (P = .596,) and history of X-ray exposure (P = .366), except for history of previous blood transfusion which shows significant association (P = .010). Conclusion: The study established a prevalence an HTLV of 3.2% that HTLV in Zaria therefore routinely screened is necessary.