What is the difference between HTLV-1 and 2?

HTLV-1 is the causal agent of adult T-cell leukemia and a progressive neurological disorder called HTLV-1-associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (12, 34, 54). In contrast, HTLV-2 is essentially nonpathogenic, although a few cases of neurological disease in HTLV-2-infected individuals have been reported.

What is a positive HTLV test?

A positive HTLV-I/II molecular test indicates that the person tested has an HTLV-I or HTLV-II infection. If the molecular result is negative, then the person is less likely to be infected, but it cannot be ruled out as the amount of virus in the blood may have been too low to detect at the time of the test.

Should I worry about HTLV?

Although a few individuals have severe symptoms, most patients remain asymptomatic throughout their lives and their infections may be unknown to many health professionals. HTLV-1 can be considered a neglected public health problem and there are not many studies specifically on patients’ needs and emotional experiences.

Can you donate blood if you have HTLV?

Must not donate. HTLV (Human T Cell Lymphotropic Virus I and II) infection can cause serious blood and nervous system disease.

Can HTLV-1 be cured?

There is no cure or treatment for HTLV-1 and it is considered a lifelong condition; however, most (95%) infected people remain asymptomatic (show no symptoms) throughout life.

How serious is HTLV?

If you are infected with HTLV-1, the virus won’t necessarily affect your health. Most people with HTLV-1 find it causes them no problems at all. But around 1 in 20 people develop one of two serious conditions: adult T-cell leukaemia/lymphoma.

How long can you live with HTLV-1?

For smoldering and chronic ATLL, median survival is estimated to be ∼30 to 55 mo (9), whereas survival is estimated to be 10 mo for the lymphomatous and 8 mo for the acute subtype, respectively (9). Of HTLV-1–infected patients, 0.25 to 3.8% develop HAM/TSP.

Will I get sick from HTLV?

HTLV-1 is a virus that can infect humans, similar to the influenza and hepatitis viruses. HTLV-1 infection has a long history in Japan, and being infected with it does not necessarily mean that you will get sick.

What is the CPT code for HTLV-I / II antibody?

If HTLV-I/II Antibody is Reactive, then HTLV-I/II Antibody, Confirmatory Assay will be performed at an additional charge (CPT code (s): 86689)

When to perform reflex to confirmatory assay HTLV-I / II?

Please visit our Clinical Education Center to stay informed on any future publications, webinars, or other education opportunities. If HTLV-I/II Antibody is positive, HTLV-I/II Antibody, Confirmatory Assay will be performed at an additional charge (CPT code (s): 86689)

How is HTLV-2 transmitted from person to person?

HTLV-II can be transmitted sexually (61); the most commonly reported risk factor among HTLV-II-infected female U.S. blood donors is sexual contact with an injecting drug user (6,58). HTLV-II can be transmitted by transfusion of cellular blood products (whole blood, red blood cells, and platelets) (31,32).

When did HTLV-2 Blood Donor screening begin?

HTLV-II is less common and is associated with neoplasias of the CD8 T lymphocytes. Blood donor screening began in 1998. Please visit our Clinical Education Center to stay informed on any future publications, webinars, or other education opportunities.