Evaluation of Relationship between Human T Cell Leukemia Lymphoma Virus Type 1 (HTLV1) and Cervical Cancer

The relationship between Human T cell leukemialymphoma virus type1 (HTLV1) and adult T cell leukemia and tropical spastic myelopathy was documented but there are controversies about the role of HTLV1 and the other diseases especially cervical cancer. Since this virus is endemic in north east of Iran (Khorasan) and cervical cancer is the common genital tract cancer in Iran, this study was designed to evaluate probable association between HTLV1 and cervical cancer. This case – control study was done in 49 new cervical cancer patients and 100 healthy women who referred to the Ghaem and Omid Hospitals in two years. Presence of HTLV1 virus examined with Bio rad kit by Eliza method and the positive samples rechecked by Western blot test. Both groups were matched based on age and reproductive factors. 6.1% of cases and 2% of control group had positive tests for presence HTLV1. There was no significant difference between these 2 groups (P=0.362). HTLV1 is not a risk factor in cervical carcinoma in north east Iran (Khorasan).