[Question #10614] Follow-up to question #10559 - HTLV
 |
21 months ago
|
Good morning,
I recently spoke with Dr. Hook regarding a sexual encounter I had on Oct 8, 2023. I had insertive vaginal sex (protected) at a massage parlor. The condom did not break, to my knowledge, and my partner was of Asian descent. I did have two negative HIV PCR tests at 11 and 15 days post encounter, along with negatives on the full panel of STDs they regularly test for.
I was perusing these forums, purely to educate myself, and I stumbled upon a few questions about HTLV.
Looking into HTLV, I'm worried that I could have been exposed to that as well. I don't know much about it, other than what I've found in your previous responses to people and a few articles online. I'm trying to not get too anxious about it and let fear and emotion take over. Rather, trying to be logical and reasonable. To feel better, I'm telling myself:
- my partner likely does not have HTLV.
- I used a condom.
- the interaction really only lasted about a minute or two.
- HTLV is extremely rare.
- transmission rates are very low, similar to HIV, in that the odds of contracting it are probably less than 1% (In another post, Dr. HHH cited a study where out of 84 monogamous couples, only 4 people transmitted HTLV to their partner over the course of 10 years).
- HTLV can be transmitted sexually, but it usually is not. Meaning, it has other primary forms of transmission.
Can you speak to these assumptions I'm making? Can you add anything with respect to my level of risk here?
Part of me wants to get tested at Quest or LabCorp purely for peace of mind and so I can go on living my life without worry. I was thinking of getting the PCR done. I read that 65 days is a reasonable window period. Do you have any information on window periods for the HTLV PCR test?
 |
Edward W. Hook M.D.
21 months ago
|
Welcome back to the Forum although I'm sorry you felt the need. I agree with your summary. Remember, the WHO estimated that fewer than 10 million people worldwide have HTLV out of a global population exceeding 3 billion.
If you must test, a screening test for HTLV-1 at more than 65 days would certainly provide accurate information. Should you choose to test, I hope that when you get the negative result, you will be able to put your concerns aside. EWH
--- |
21 months ago
|
Thank you for your response. Every now and then I get a case of the "what ifs" and I start researching and that makes things a lot worse. I think I just need to tell myself "remember the facts and statistics", as that's what really matters here I think. Your response makes me feel better, as you don't seem concerned at all.
I don't mean to be repetitive, but rather I am seeking further information and clarification. Does HTVL, on a cellular level, transmit more or less the same way as HIV? I ask because the same statistics, facts, and precautions taken that protected me against HIV (if she even had it), would also protect me from HTVL, right? When compared to HIV, was I even less at risk for HTVL because of the fact that it is even more rare (on top of all the other aforementioned mitigating factors)?
I will save my last question for later, if anything pops up or maybe when I do the PCR in another 30 days. Will this thread expire by then or is it open indefinitely?
Thank you.
|
Edward W. Hook M.D.
21 months ago
|
I think you have entered into the "what if" zone right at this time. HTLV-1 is less often and likely less efficiently transmitted than HIV although there are few data because the infection is rare. Sexual transmission of the virus does occur albeit less often than by other routes.
This thread will be closed after your 3rd question or after 30 days from now, whichever comes first. EWH
--- |
21 months ago
|
Point well taken, and I apologize. These topics can be very overwhelming at times. I will use my last question now since it will expire.
I guess I'm just looking for some reassurance and encouragement here. If a younger version of you, or even a loved one, were in my exact situation, what would you tell them (knowing all you do right now) with regard to worrying about HTLV, testing, etc?
Also, if I did test, is 65 days the minimum window for the HTLV PCR? Or could I test at say 45 days and still get a reliable result? The CDC says 10-33 days for HIV PCR. I'm just wondering if the HTVL has a ranged window period like that or if it's a minimum of 65+ days.
Thank you for everything.
|
Edward W. Hook M.D.
21 months ago
|
Final responses.
I would tell a loved one the same thing I have told you. There is virtually no chance that you have HTLV-1 or any other STI related to the encounters you described and to not worry about it.
CDC's estimates tend to be conservative. Most experts agree that HIV PCAR is reliably positive any time more than 11 days following an exposure that results in acquistion of HIV. I do not know the data on HTLV-1 but would anticipate that the figure of 65 days is overly conservatives.
HI hope you will find a way to move forward. This completes this thread. There should be no need for additional follow-ups regarding the exposures you described. Should you return to the Forum, your thread may be closed without a response and without return of your posting fee as per Forum policy. EWH
---