Frequência de disfunção sexual entre mulheres infectadas pelo Vírus Linfotrópico da célula T Humana Tipo 1

Abstract

Introduction: Human T-lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) is the main agent of myelopathy associated with HTLV-1 or tropical paraparespatic (MAH / PET). Clinical and neurological manifestations in patients infected with HTLV-1 without myelopathy are documented at a higher frequency in HTLV-1 carriers than in seronegative controls, but little is known about the ability of this virus to cause female sexual dysfunction. These manifestations can negatively affect the sexual life of these women. Objectives: To assess the frequency and main manifestations of sexual dysfunction (DS) in HTLV-1 infected women, correlating them with pro-viral load and neurological impairment. Methods: Cross-sectional study carried out at the HPLES Multidisciplinary Outpatient Clinic of HTLV. Data collected by the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) questionnaire and the form containing socio-demographic and clinical variables. A total of 140 women between 20 and 55 years of age and with sexual interest were included, matched by age, 70 in each group. Results: There was no difference between the groups regarding age, self-reported color, type of delivery, marital status, age of coitare and menopause. It was found that 70% of the cases presented DS in relation to 25,7% of the control (p <0.001) and that the HTLV-1 group had 3,53 more chances to present DS. Women with HTLV-1 infection had less desire (p <0.001), arousal (p <0.001), lubrication (p <0.001), sexual satisfaction (p <0.001), orgasm (p <0.001) than the control. Sexual satisfaction was significantly lower in HTLV-1 carriers, and the correlation between neurological impairment and DS (R = 0.53, p <0.001) and between pro-viral load and DS (R = 0.32, p <0.001) was moderateand weak, respectively. Conclusion: DS is more common in women infected with HTLV-1 than in controls, and in addition to neurological involvement, other factors may play a role in DS associated with HTLV-1 infection.