Retroviruses That May Cause Human Illness

Retroviruses are a family of viruses that are grouped together based on how they are structured and how they replicate within a host. Besides human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the virus that causes AIDS, there a two other retroviruses that can cause human illness. One is called human T-lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) and the other is called human T-lymphotropic virus type 2 (HTLV-II). Both of these viruses are transmitted between people through sexual contact, infected blood or tissue exposure, or during pregnancy or childbirth from an infected person to their child.

About Retroviruses

• Other Retroviruses that may cause human illness
  MDH overview of other retroviruses that may cause human illness.
  

Getting Tested for STDs

• STD Testing
  Resources for finding STD testing clinics in your area.

Reporting a Case of Retrovirus

• Reporting Retrovirus Infections
  MDH summary of procedures to report selected retroviruses.
  • Communicable Disease Reporting Rules, Chapter 4605
    Statute summarizing the communicable diseases that are required to be reported in Minnesota.
  • Other reporting: STD/HIV Partner Services Program
    The Partner Services Program offers people who have been diagnosed with HIV or an STD free medical, prevention, and other services, including help with partner notification.

More about Retroviruses

• STD Treatment Guidelines (CDC)
  CDC’s latest treatment guidelines for STDs.
  
  
• Minnesota Family Planning and STD Hotline
  Toll-free hotline for confidential information about the prevention, testing locations and treatment of STDs in Minnesota (1-800-78-FACTS).