Retrovirus Infections
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Contact Info
Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Prevention and Control Division
651-201-5414
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.
- Communicable Disease Reporting Rules, Chapter 4605
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).
Last Updated: 10/19/2022