what is htlv-1
There are two main types, and four subtypes, of HTLV: HTLV-1, HTLV-2, HTLV-3 and HTLV-4. They are retroviruses. HTLV-1 is a very old virus, which appears to have infected and moved with humans for hundreds, if not thousands of years. HTLV-1 is endemic (common) in the Caribbean, Japan, South America, and parts of Africa. Interestingly, it has also been observed in Iran and Romania. HTLV-2 is often found among native Americans.