Abstract
This study shows first data on HTLV‐1/2 seroprevalence among pregnant women in the non‐endemic region of Argentina. In a retrospective study a representative sample (n = 3,143) of the pregnant women registered in the health public service in the province of Córdoba was evaluated. HTLV‐1/2 seroprevalence was 0.191% ± 0.0857 [IC 0.022–0.359]. This prevalence was 10 times higher in pregnant women than in blood donors [0.019 (4/21.183)]. The pregnant women would reflect the epidemiology of the general population more accurately since it constitutes a more heterogeneous group than that of blood donors. The prevalence of infection with HIV was 2.8 times higher than that of HTLV‐1/2 (P < 0.05) and the presence of any of these two viruses was not a subrogating indicator of the presence of the other (Goodman and Kruskal's Tau coefficient = 0.0092). The prevalence of HBV was not significantly different from that of HTLV‐1/2 (P > 0.05). We consider that it is necessary to carry out continuous studies in order to define the main risk factors for infection of these women. Thus, a decision could be made to apply the best policy in public health to prevent vertical transmission of the virus in Argentina. J. Med. Virol. 79:1974–1978, 2007. © Wiley‐Liss, Inc.