HTLV-I/II Antibody, with Reflex to Confirmatory Assay

The HTLV-I/II Antibody test detects antibodies to the Human T-Cell Lymphotropic Virus (HTLV), a retrovirus, and differentiates between the two types of HTLV. The presence of antibodies to HTLV-I or HTLV-II indicates that a person is infected with the Human T-Cell Lymphotropic Virus.

HTLV infects white blood cells, a major part of the immune system. An HTLV infection can cause a many health conditions and nervous system disorders.

According to the CDC, transmission of HTLV-I occurs:

• From mother to child during childbirth
• Breastfeeding
• Sexual contact
• Blood transfusion
• Sharing contaminated needles

Human T-Cell Lymphotropic Virus Type 1 and Type 2 were the first human retroviruses discovered. HTLV Type 1 and Type 2 are distantly related to HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus), but HTLV is not HIV, and HTLV does not cause AIDS.