# Human T-Cell Lymphotropic Virus (HTLV 1/2) in Ecuador: Time for Action

## TL;DR

HTLV 1/2 is a widespread virus in Ecuador, especially among Indigenous and Afro American populations, but the country lacks a national program to monitor and control it.

## Contribution

The paper proposes a strategy to establish a surveillance and control program for HTLV 1/2 in Ecuador.

## Key findings

- HTLV 1/2 is endemic in South America, with high-risk populations in Ecuador.
- Ecuador lacks a national surveillance and control program for HTLV 1/2.
- No screening of blood or organ donors for HTLV 1/2 is currently performed in the country.

## Abstract

The human T-cell lymphotropic viruses of type 1 and 2 (HTLV 1/2) are retroviruses with estimations of 10 million people infected worldwide. HTLV 1/2 viruses are endemic in South America where Indigenous and Afro American populations are considered of high risk. Although several case reports of HTLV 1/2 associated pathologies and some prevalence studies have been reported in Ecuador, the country lacks a national surveillance and control program, and no screening of blood or organ donors is currently done. We discuss the problems associated to HTLV 1/2 in Ecuador and propose a strategy to improve a surveillance and control program.