Evaluation of HTLV-I and HCV Prevalence in Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma

Objective(s): Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL) is a lymphoproliferative malignancy in which cells undergo microscopic changes with unknown etiology, and risk factors such as age, sex, genetic and environmental factors are involved. The relationship between the presence of infectious agents and the development of lymphoproliferative diseases has been an interesting research topic. HTLV-I (Human T Cell Lymphotropic Virus Type-1) predisposes the infected individulas to opportunistic neoplasms and lymphoid malignancies. HCV (Hepatitis C Virus) the etiologic agent of hepatitis C, is hepatotropic, and long-term infection with HCV can continuously stimulate and expand lymphocyte clones, resulting in further transformation and finally aggressive malignancies. Materials and Methods: 54 tissue samples diagnosed with NHL were selected to be studied for the presence of HTLV-I and HCV viruses. DNA and RNA were extracted from samples, cDNA was synthesized and using specific primers presence of HTLV-I and HCV viruses were investigated by PCR and nested RT-PCR methods. Results: In 10 out of 54 (18.8%) samples (7 men and 3 women), HTLV-I was present, and 4 out of 54 (7.4%) samples (3 men and one woman) were positive for HCV. Conclusion: Based on our results, it is recommended that in patients with NHL, infection with HTLV-I and HCV viruses need to be screened.