Humam T lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) has heteregenous distribution world-wide and, in Brazil, there are high prevalence areas. HTLV-1 has been associated to severe diseases, such as adult T cell leukaemia/ lymphoma, HTLV-1 associated myelopahthy/ tropical spastic parapesis, HTLV-1 associated uveitis and HTLV-1 associated infective dermatitis. Genetics, proviral load and infection route are related to disease risk along life. The lifetime risk to develop HTLV-1 related diseases may be close to 10%. Skin lesions are known to occur in the course of HTLV-1 related diseases and also in asymptomatic carries. Xerosis, dermatophytosis and recurrent infections are among the most common found skin diseases. In this paper the authors reviewed the major associated diseases and aspects of the HTLV-1 infection itself, with emphasis on skin manifestation in the context.
HTLVI1 infections; HTLV- I infections; Human T-Lymphotropic virus 1; Lymphoma, T-cell, cutaneous; Parapesis, tropical spastic; Skin; Skin manifestations
