Luísa Rodrigues Cordeiro MD, Marjorie Vieira Batista MD PhD, Jozélio Freire de Carvalho MD PhD
Human T-cell Leukemia Virus (HTLV) was first described in 1980 as a retrovirus known by its ability to infect CD4 T cells or macrophages, leading to a chronic infection that may develop into adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATLL) and chronic progressive myelopathy known as HTLV-associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP) [1]. Viral transmission occurs from unprotected sexual intercourse, vertical transmission, and contact with a contaminated blood sample. There is evidence of an association between HTLV-1 infection and rheumatic diseases [2,3].