The Human T-cell Lymphotropic viruses (HTLV 1 and HTLV 2) are a member of the family of Retroviridae, consisting of enveloped double stranded RNA viruses. Both types of HTLV are transmitted transplacentally, parenterally, by sexual contact and by infected blood. While routes of transmission and latency periods are similar to those of HIV, the two are genetically non-related. HTLV 1 commonly infects CD4+ lymphocytes, but infection of CD8+ T lymphocytes can also occur. HTLV 2 can infect all type of lymphocytes as well as the macrophages. The diseases associated with HTLV infections are usually classified as malignant or non-malignant clinical presentations.
HTLV 1 is most commonly found in southern Japan, the Caribbean and the US, but also occurs in other parts of the world. While endemic in some North American Indian tribes, HTLV 2 is detected mostly in intravenous drug users and their sexual partners.
HTLV Diagnostic Test Kits
HTLV Antibody Diagnostic ELISA Kit - View Information Pack
Wantai HTLV 1+2 ELISA is an antigen “sandwich” used for qualitative detection of antibodies to HTLV type 1 and/or 2 in human serum or plasma. It is intended for screening of blood donors and as an aid for the diagnosis of clinical conditions related to infection with HTLV-1 and/or HTLV-2. The diagnostic procedure takes 90 minutes. Both sensitivity and specificity are very high - sensitivity is 100%, while specificity is 99.97%.