Which virus can cause leukemia?

Which virus can cause leukemia?

Human T-cell leukemia virus type, also called human T-lymphotrophic virus (HTLV-1) is linked to adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma. It is spread through infected semen, vaginal fluids, blood and breast milk.

Is human leukemia caused by a virus?

It’s a virus that few people have heard of, but doctors around the world are urging the World Health Organization (WHO) to take action against it. The virus in question is called HTLV-1, and in some cases, it can cause leukemia.

Can a bacterial infection cause leukemia?

Local bacterial infections may also predispose to nonnodal lymphomas, although the mechanisms for this are unknown. Gastric lymphomas and immunoproliferative small intestinal disease have been most strongly linked to underlying bacterial infection.

Is cancer a viral disease?

The bottom line. Several viruses, known as oncogenic viruses, are associated with cancer. These viruses can cause mutations, affect gene expression, or lead to chronic inflammation. Keep in mind that having an infection by an oncogenic virus doesn’t mean you’ll develop cancer.

What causes human T lymphotropic virus?

HTLV-1 is transmitted primarily through infected bodily fluids including blood, breast milk and semen. Risk factors include unprotected sex, injecting drug use and transplantation of tissue, blood and blood products.

What happens if you receive blood from someone with leukemia?

Although it’s rare, donor white cells (lymphocytes) can attack the recipient’s skin, liver, bowel and marrow after a blood transfusion. Fortunately, this severe complication is rare and almost never occurs after transfusion of irradiated blood.

Can an infection turn into cancer?

Some infections can cause long-term inflammation in a part of the body. This can lead to changes in the affected cells and in nearby immune cells, which can eventually lead to cancer. Some types of infections can suppress a person’s immune system, which normally helps protect the body from some cancers.

How common is human T lymphotropic virus?

Risk factors include unprotected sex, injecting drug use and transplantation of tissue, blood and blood products. An estimated 5–10 million people globally are infected with HTLV-1, although that number is probably higher due to a lack of reliable data.

Should I worry about HTLV?

Although a few individuals have severe symptoms, most patients remain asymptomatic throughout their lives and their infections may be unknown to many health professionals. HTLV-1 can be considered a neglected public health problem and there are not many studies specifically on patients’ needs and emotional experiences.