Molecular Identification of HTLV-1 and HCV Infections in Sickle Cell Disease Patients Undergoing Multiple Transfusions in Kinshasa: A Case Study of CMMASS - Takeaways - MDSpire

Molecular Identification of HTLV-1 and HCV Infections in Sickle Cell Disease Patients Undergoing Multiple Transfusions in Kinshasa: A Case Study of CMMASS

  • By

  • Alain Kabongo Katamba Ilunga

  • Chloé Kayembe Musuamba

  • Cagod Inkale

  • Tarcise Kilara

  • Isaac Woto

  • Berry Ikolango Bongenya

  • Gisele Kasanka Kabengele

  • Baudouin Buassa

  • Dieudonné Tshipukane Nyembue

  • Benoit Obel Kabengele

  • Erick Ntambwe Kamangu

  • January 22, 2026

  • 0 min

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  • 1

    Sickle cell disease is a hereditary condition leading to hemolytic anemia and increased organ damage risk, often requiring blood transfusions.

  • 2

    HTLV-1 and HCV infections pose significant risks to polytransfused sickle cell patients, with HTLV-1 linked to adult T-cell leukemia and HCV to liver disease.

  • 3

    In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, HTLV-1 is not routinely tested before transfusions, while HCV is screened using serological assays with a diagnostic window.

  • 4

    This study involved 90 polytransfused sickle cell patients in Kinshasa, focusing on molecular identification of HTLV-1 and HCV infections.

  • 5

    Results indicated an 11.1% prevalence of HCV infection among the studied patients, highlighting the need for improved screening methods.

Original Source(s)

Molecular Identification of HTLV-1 and HCV Infections in Sickle Cell Disease Patients Undergoing Multiple Transfusions in Kinshasa: A Case Study of CMMASS

  • by Alain Kabongo Katamba Ilunga, Chloé Kayembe Musuamba, Cagod Inkale, Tarcise Kilara, Isaac Woto, Berry Ikolango Bongenya, Gisele Kasanka Kabengele, Baudouin Buassa, Dieudonné Tshipukane Nyembue, Benoit Obel Kabengele, Erick Ntambwe Kamangu

  • January 22, 2026

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