Retrovirus Infections

Other 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 mother to her child.

Retrovirus Basics

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

Getting Tested for STDs

Reporting a Case of Retrovirus

STD Case Reporting
MDH summary of procedures to report selected STDs, including retroviruses.
Communicable Disease Reporting Rules, Chapter 4605
Statute summarizing the communicable diseases that are required to be reported in Minnesota.
STD/HIV Partner Services Program (PDF: 145 KB/2 pages) (MS Word: 37 KB/2 pages)
A brochure designed for health providers, information is provided about the program that assists HIV or STD infected persons notify their partners about their potential exposure. The brochure may be downloaded for duplication purposes.

External Links

STD Treatment Guidelines
CDC’s latest treatment guidelines for STDs. Attention: Non-MDH link
STD Image Library
Image library of STD symptoms developed by the Cincinnati STD/HIV Prevention Training Center. Attention: Non-MDH link
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). Attention: Non-MDH link

Content Notice: This site contains HIV or STD prevention messages that may not be appropriate for all audiences. Since HIV and other STDs are spread primarily through sexual practices or by sharing needles, prevention messages and programs may address these topics. If you are not seeking such information or may be offended by such materials, please exit this web site.