Coinfection with HTLV-1 and Mycobacterium leprae can present significant clinical challenges due to their complex interactions. The chronic immune activation induced by HTLV-1 can potentiate leprosy-related neurological symptoms, complicating treatment. This report describes a 61-year-old man from a Brazilian endemic area for HTLV-1 and leprosy, who was diagnosed with both infections and developed a type 1 leprosy reaction. The patient presents a significant exacerbation of neurological symptoms, with sensory and motor impairments across multiple limbs. Routine screening for HTLV-1 in patients diagnosed with leprosy, especially in endemic areas, is essential for better clinical management and prognosis.
BT - Clinical Microbiology Newsletter DA - 03/2026 DO - 10.1016/j.clinmicnews.2025.12.001 LA - ENG M3 - Article N2 -Coinfection with HTLV-1 and Mycobacterium leprae can present significant clinical challenges due to their complex interactions. The chronic immune activation induced by HTLV-1 can potentiate leprosy-related neurological symptoms, complicating treatment. This report describes a 61-year-old man from a Brazilian endemic area for HTLV-1 and leprosy, who was diagnosed with both infections and developed a type 1 leprosy reaction. The patient presents a significant exacerbation of neurological symptoms, with sensory and motor impairments across multiple limbs. Routine screening for HTLV-1 in patients diagnosed with leprosy, especially in endemic areas, is essential for better clinical management and prognosis.
PB - Elsevier BV PY - 2026 SP - 14 EP - 17 T2 - Clinical Microbiology Newsletter TI - Type 1 leprosy reaction in a patient coinfected with HTLV-1 and Mycobacterium leprae UR - https://pdf.sciencedirectassets.com/271317/1-s2.0-S0196439925X00076/1-s2.0-S0196439925000704/main.pdf?X-Amz-Security-Token=IQoJb3JpZ2luX2VjEKj%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2FwEaCXVzLWVhc3QtMSJHMEUCIB5huC9n%2FtsS2mXGsMnw2HzCeTtIHRF3ndtjjfTx1hSnAiEAmcdQ%2FicF VL - 54 SN - 0196-4399 ER -