HTLV - I / II Antibody, Screen in Byculla, Mumbai

The Human T-Lymphotropic Virus (HTLV) is a human retrovirus that can lead to cancer called adult T-cell leukaemia or lymphoma. The two primary types of HTLV are HTLV-I and HTLV-II.

To prevent these viruses from affecting bodily functions, doctors conduct the HTLV – I/II Antibody test. This test helps them identify the type of virus and the multiple diseases it might have caused. However, the primary objective of conducting this test is to identify the cause of lymphoma, adult T-cell leukaemia or HTLV-associated myelopathy.

The symptoms of HTLV-1-associated myelopathy include:

• Low back pain 
• Gait problems 
• Constipation 
• Urinary incontinence 
• Progressive weakness in the leg muscles 
• Muscle spasms and stiffness 
• Bowel incontinence

HTLV-1 can lead to Adult T-cell leukaemia which has its specific set of symptoms.

• Extreme fatigue 
• Skin infections and rashes 
• Vomiting and nausea 
• High fever and sweating 
• Swelling of lymph nodes

The symptoms of the HTLV-II virus include leg muscle weakness, sensory abnormalities, spastic paraparesis, urinary tract issues, and ataxia spastic.

When the HTLV-I or HTLV-II virus enters the body, it affects the T-cell lymphocytes. In response to this, the body's immune system reacts by producing antibodies. So, the HTLV – I/II Antibody test can help the doctors analyse your immune system if you have the above symptoms.

The virus test might be used to understand the presence of abnormal lymphocytes and your risk of contracting the virus. Risk factors associated with HTLV virus include:

• Transmission through bodily fluids like breast milk, blood, and semen 
• Having unprotected sex with a person infected by the virus
• Belonging to a region where the virus is widespread 
• Unsupervised blood donation or transfusion

After analysing these risk factors, the doctors might execute the HTLV – I/II Antibody test to understand the HTLV-1 antigen responses. If someone has symptoms related to HAM/TSP, the doctors might examine the cerebrospinal fluid.

In some cases, the virus can be transferred from a mother to a baby during pregnancy. So, the doctors might try to identify the source of the infection and examine the mother. Likewise, a possibly infected sexual partner might have to take the test.

Apollo 24|7 offers all the modern testing facilities for the HTLV – I/II Antibody test. The facilities will help you determine if you have been infected by the HTLV-I or HTLV-II virus.

You must always be careful while donating blood and ensure the syringe is disinfected. Talk to the doctor before blood donation if you have been to an area where the HTLV-I and HTLV-II viruses are common. Breastfeeding mothers must also be mindful of these measures. 

Medically reviewed by Dr. Sanjaya Mishra, Radiation Oncology, Apollo Hospitals Old Sainik School Road, Bhubaneswar.