HTLV 1 and 2 antibodies by EIA
| Category | Virology |
|---|---|
| Test background |
Detection of human T lymphotropic antibodies. HTLV-I and HTLV-II are closely related human type C retroviruses. HTLV-I has been aetiologically associated with neoplastic conditions and a variety of demyelinating neurological disorders, including: adult T-cell leukaemia (ATL), tropical spastic paraparesis (TSP), and/or HTLV-I-associated myelopathy (HAM), and, more recently, HTLV-I-associated polymyositis, arthritis and infective dermatitis. Association of HTLV-II with leukaemia pathogenesis is not established, however, there is some evidence of an association with a neurodegenerative disease similar to HAM/TSP and occasionally also with lymphoproliferative disease. Transmission of both HTLV-I and HTLV-II is by sexual contact, exposure to infected cellular blood components by transfusion or intravenous drug use, or perinatally by breastfeeding. |
| Clinical Indications |
Part of the screening profile for patients undergoing fertility treatment. Please include all relevant clinical history. |
| Reference range | See report |
| Sample & container required | RST (rust top) |
| Sample volume | 5 mL |
| Turnaround time | 3 days (Confirmation: non-negatives up to 10 days) |