View clinical trials related to HTLV-1.
Filter by:Testing the effectiveness of an exercise protocol engines sensory performed through a virtual reality platform in individuals infected with HTLV-1
Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), is where human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) appears to have most diversified. The factors that lead to jumpstarting the HIV-1 epidemic remain unclear; mounting evidence suggests medical interventions may have contributed. Hepatitis C virus (HCV) and human T-cell lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) are viruses compatible with long-term survival but with broadly similar modes of transmission as HIV. The main objective was to assess the association of past intravenous treatment with HCV and HTLV-1 seropositivity. The investigators hypothesized that medical interventions in the mid-20th century may have facilitated the emergence of HIV-1 in central Africa. To assess the association of injectable treatments with HCV and HTLV-1 infection and to reconstruct past virus dynamics, the investigators conducted a cross-sectional study of 839 elderly long-term inhabitants of Kinshasa, with serological assays followed by amplification and sequencing. Risk factors were assessed through logistic regression. Phylogenetic methods were used to reconstruct the epidemic history of HCV.
Urological physical therapy is described to improve urinary symptoms in patients with myelopathy or neurological dysfunction and to increase the quality of life. Although it was never tested on HTLV-1 associated overactive bladder syndrome, an disabling disease that is common seen in HAM/TSP patients but can also appear as an isolated form. Our hypothesis is that urological physical therapy can improve urinary symptoms like incontinence, urgency and nocturia in HTLV-1 infected population with those complains.
In this study the investigators are going to evaluate the efficacy pentoxifyline in HTLV-1 patients with neurological diseases: HAM/TSP or neurogenic bladder. In some laboratory experiments the investigators observed that this drug had the capacity to reduce the immune response in HTLV-1 infected cells. Since the exacerbated immune response is know to cause neurological disease in patients with HTLV-1 the investigators hope that pentoxifyline can alleviate symptoms and delay the progress of HAM/TSP in patients.
This study will examine the use of the humanized Mik-Beta-1 (Hu Mik-(SqrRoot) 1) monoclonal antibody in patients with HTLV-1-associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP). Some patients infected with the human T-lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) virus develop HAM/TSP, a disease in which the immune response to HTLV-1 becomes directed against the person's own body in what is called an autoimmune response. Hu-Mik-Beta-1 is a genetically engineered antibody that blocks the action of a chemical produced by the body during infection or inflammation called interleukin 15 (IL-15). Blocking IL-15 may prevent the autoimmune response that results in HAM/TSP. Patients 18 years of age and older with HAM/TSP may be eligible for this study. Candidates are screened with a medical history and physical examination, blood and urine tests, and an electrocardiogram. Participants undergo the following procedures: 1. Baseline visit(s): Repeat physical examination and blood and urine tests, as well as the following: - Lumbar puncture: A local anesthetic is injected to numb the skin of the lower back. A needle is inserted in the space between the bones where the cerebrospinal fluid that bathes the brain and spinal cord circulates below the spinal cord. About 4 tablespoons of fluid is collected through the needle. - Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): This test uses radio waves and magnets to produce images of body tissues and organs. The patient lies on a table that slides into a metal cylinder surrounded by a strong magnetic field. During part of the scan, a contrast agent is injected to brighten the images. - Apheresis: This procedure is used to collect large quantities of white blood cells. Whole blood is collected through a needle in an arm vein and directed into a machine that separates it into its components by spinning. The white cells and plasma are removed and the rest of the blood (red cells and platelets) is returned to the body through the same needle. 2. Hu Mik-Beta-1 treatment: Infusions of Hu Mik-Beta-1 are given through a vein every 3 weeks for nine doses. The first treatment requires at least an overnight hospital stay; subsequent infusions are given in the outpatient clinic. 3. Blood and urine tests and a physical examination at every treatment visit and a skin test at one treatment visit. 4. Research tests at the end of the 24-week treatment period, including lumbar puncture (spinal tap), MRI scan, and apheresis. 5. After completing treatment, patients have three follow-up clinic visits for blood and urine tests, and a skin test at one follow-up visit.