The purpose of this study is to identify risk factors associated with infection with the Human T-Cell Leukemia Virus (HTLV) in an endemic population in order to elucidate the origin, reservoir, and mode of spread of the virus. HTLV is the first oncogenic retrovirus which has been isolated from humans, and is closely associated with adult T-Cell Leukemia/Lymphoma in endemic populations. In addition, antibodies against the HTLV have been found to be much more prevalent among homosexual AIDS patients than among unaffected homosexual controls. The method to be used is that of a case-control study. This will be conducted in conjunction with population screening for antibodies by Dr. Myron Essex in Kyushu, Japan. The population of Kyushu is particularly appropriate for this study because of the relatively high prevalence of antibodies against HTLV in the adult population (16%), as well as the well established collaboration between Dr. Essex and Dr. Nobuyoshi Tachibana of Miyazaki Medical School. For the study, """"""""cases"""""""" will include approximately 200 individuals within the screened population who have antibodies against the HTLV. Controls will include 400 individuals without antibodies matched for age, sex, and residence. In addition, close relatives of cases will be included when available. All subjects will be interviewed for a variety of potential risk factors. These will include: contact with animals or animal products, marital status and family size, sexual behavior, occupation, religious practices, and food habits. Gaining understanding of the origin, reservoir, and mode of spread of HTLV is of significance in determining whether any preventive measures are feasible in the control of HTLV-associated malignancy. This study may also contribute to the understanding of the etiology of AIDS.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Cancer Institute (NCI)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
1R01CA038450-01
Application #
3176552
Study Section
Epidemiology and Disease Control Subcommittee 3 (EDC)
Project Start
1985-07-01
Project End
1988-06-30
Budget Start
1985-07-01
Budget End
1986-06-30
Support Year
1
Fiscal Year
1985
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
Harvard University
Department
Type
Schools of Public Health
DUNS #
082359691
City
Boston
State
MA
Country
United States
Zip Code
Birmann, Brenda M; Breen, Elizabeth C; Stuver, Sherri et al. (2009) Population differences in immune marker profiles associated with human T-lymphotropic virus type I infection in Japan and Jamaica. Int J Cancer 124:614-21
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Iga, Mutsunori; Okayama, Akihiko; Stuver, Sherri et al. (2002) Genetic evidence of transmission of human T cell lymphotropic virus type 1 between spouses. J Infect Dis 185:691-5
Okayama, A; Stuver, S O; Tabor, E et al. (2002) Incident hepatitis C virus infection in a community-based population in Japan. J Viral Hepat 9:43-51
Arduino, J M; Stuver, S O; Spiegelman, D et al. (2001) Assessment of markers of hepatitis C virus infection in a Japanese adult population. J Infect Dis 184:1229-35

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