Oral health of individuals infected with the HTLV-1 virus

The HTLV-1 virus is prevalent in various regions of the world, from Japan to Brazil. Infected individuals can develop T-cell lymphoma or tropical spastic paraparesis, which is disabling. The disease has no cure but can be controlled with multidisciplinary monitoring and treatment with different types of medication. As the virus can be transmitted through breast milk, infected women cannot breastfeed their children. Health professionals from different specialties must know about the virus, the diseases associated with it and the manifestations observed as a result of the infection in order to offer appropriate treatment and guarantee a better quality of life for this group of special patients. This book aims to draw the attention of educators, professionals and the general population to the care that should be taken when faced with the presence of the virus, particularly for those who live in regions endemic for HTLV-1.