HTLV-I and HTLV-II are closely related human type C retroviruses. HTLV-I has been etiologically associated with neoplastic conditions and a variety of demyelinating neurologic disorders including adult T-cell leukaemia, tropical spastic paraparesis and/or HTLV-I associated myelopathy and more recently HTLV-I associated polymyositis, arthritis, and infective dermatitis.
Detection of antibodies against HTLV-I and HTLV-II serves to aid in the diagnosis of HTLV infection and to protect the safety of blood supply.
Preparation of Patient: There is no special physical preparation for the HTLV-I/II test.