Asymptomatic Carriers
Who is an asymptomatic carrier?
Asymptomatic carrier, also referred to as AC, is a person who has antibodies against HTLV but does not have any problems caused by HTLV.
Luckily most people, 95 out of 100 people, who carry HTLV do not become ill. This means that the immune system of the body is able to prevent disease from developing.
How is an AC diagnosed?
An AC carries HTLV antibodies in the blood. In most cases, a HTLV proviral load can be measured in the blood cells if not too low.
Asymptomatic carrier, also referred to as AC, is a person who has antibodies against HTLV but does not have any problems caused by HTLV.
Luckily most people, 95 out of 100 people, who carry HTLV do not become ill. This means that the immune system of the body is able to prevent disease from developing.
How is an AC diagnosed?
An AC carries HTLV antibodies in the blood. In most cases, a HTLV proviral load can be measured in the blood cells if not too low.
How does an asymptomatic carrier develop disease?
The exact mechanism, which allows an HTLV associated disease to develop in an AC is unknown. Disease development is more often seen in people with higher proviral load > 2%.
So far no trigger has been identified that is known to initiate a HTLV associated disease, or a method that can prevent a HTLV associated disease from developing.
What is the natural history of an asymptomatic carrier?
Most ACs enjoy a fulfilling and healthy life, free from any HTLV associated diseases.
What can asymptomatic carriers do for the prevention of HTLV transmission?
People who carry a blood borne virus, such as HTLV, can prevent it from being transmitted to another person by:
The exact mechanism, which allows an HTLV associated disease to develop in an AC is unknown. Disease development is more often seen in people with higher proviral load > 2%.
So far no trigger has been identified that is known to initiate a HTLV associated disease, or a method that can prevent a HTLV associated disease from developing.
What is the natural history of an asymptomatic carrier?
Most ACs enjoy a fulfilling and healthy life, free from any HTLV associated diseases.
What can asymptomatic carriers do for the prevention of HTLV transmission?
People who carry a blood borne virus, such as HTLV, can prevent it from being transmitted to another person by:
- Using condoms when having sex (oral, vaginal or anal)
- Avoiding breastfeeding their babies if they have access to formula feed and clean water
- Use clean needles and not share needles when they need to inject drugs
- Not donate blood or organs
