HTLV – I&II Abs:
Why HTLV – I & II Abs Test?
CLINICAL INFORMATION
HTLV is a Human T-lymphotropic(oncovirus subfamily of retroviruses) Virus. It belongs to Primate T-LymphotropicViruses (PTLVs). 4 types of HTLVs are identified and they are HTLV-1, HTLV-2, HTLV-3 and HTLV-4. HTLV is endemic in certain parts of the world. HTLV-1 is pathogenic while HTLV-s on the contrary are non-pathogenic (rarely in a few cases mild neurological symptoms, certain lung conditions, arthritis, dermatitis and asthma are reported). The human T-lymphotropic virus type-1 (HTLV-1) is also referred to as human T-cell leukaemia virus type-1. The mode of transmission of HTLV-1 is primarily through infected bodily fluids (blood, semen, breast milk etc), sharing contaminated needles (Intravenous drug users), sexual contact with multiple partners, and vertical transmission from pregnant mother to the fetus (unborn child) etc. In adults this virus can cause cancer, demyelinating disease, myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis hence it is also known as Adult T-Cell Leukemia/Lymphoma (ATL). High-risk factors include previous history of multiple blood transfusions and travel to endemic areas with a prevalence of HTLV. The clinical manifestations of signs and symptoms include initially subtle which includes altered gait (change in the walking pattern) with variable degree of ataxia, unexplained falls, fever, night sweats, fatigue, increased abnormal lymphocytes, enlarged lymph nodes, pan bronchiolitis, poly-myositis, muscle spasm and contraction, uveitis, lower back pain, pain in the lower limbs, urinary urgency/incontinence, constipation, urinary, bowel, sexual dysfunction etc. In chronic stages, the condition leads to progressive weakness of the legs followed by an exacerbation of the sensory and urinary symptoms. Complications include autoimmunity (since this virus infects the CD4+ cells i.e T-helper cells and it modifies its cellular function moreover this virus triggers inflammatory reactions and hence is found to breach the immune system tolerance leading to auto-immune disease). HTLV-1 and 2 tests help to diagnose (in blood or CSF specimens) HTLV associated diseases such as leukaemia, lymphoma, myelopathy, demyelinating disorder, neoplastic conditions - in certain identified risk factors of suspected patients. The test includes screening for positive HTLV antibodies or antigens (ELISA), EIA – Enzyme Immuno-Assay, Chemi-Luminescent Immunoassay – CIA, and molecular testing like blotting techniques (looking for specific glycoprotein bands and/or band intensity), PCR etc. Other tests include CBC, WBC differential (immature abnormal lymphocytes) etc.
General Instructions:
Sample Requirement: Specimen - Blood sample collected from the vein. Test Preparation: None.
NOTE - Sample for specimen collections may vary based on the patient’s condition/cases according to the patient’s presenting complaints/signs or symptoms:
SPECIMEN REQUIREMENT (Special or Rare Cases) - As instructed and guided by Physician / Clinician / Pathologist / as per Laboratory’s requirements, according to procedures and protocols.
This Multi-Specialty Clinical Referral Laboratory RT DIAGNOSTICS provides precise and accurate tests with an extensive range of testing services to the medical centres to help in the diagnosis and identification of pathology in the test specimens for infectious diseases and also to evaluate the function of organ systems of the patient. It prevents further complications and helps to stabilize and restore health to near normalcy at the earliest without delay.
