Human T-lymphotropic virus (HTLV) is a virus that induces chronic and persistent infections in humans. Similar to HIV, it is transmitted through breastfeeding, sexual contact, and blood transfusions.
HTLV-1 (Type 1 HTLV)
HTLV-1 can provide a variety of clinical syndromes, among which Adult T-cell leukemia (ATL) and HTLV-1 associated Myelopathy or Total Spastic Paraparesis (HAM/TSP) are the commonest. HTLV-1 infection occurs prevalently in parts of Japan, Australia, and the Pacific islands.
HTLV-1 viruses are spherical in shape and have a genome composed of positively sensed RNA. Antigens (structural proteins) contain capsid proteins, surface proteins, and envelope proteins.
HTLV-2 (Type 2 HTLV)
HTLV-2 has approximately 70% genomic homology (structural similarity) to HTLV-I. HTLV-2 has been associated with milder chronic lung infections and neurologic disorders.
Application of HTLV Antigen
The anti-HTLV-1/anti-HTLV-2 IgG testing uses recombinant HTLV antigens expressed in Escherichia coli (E. coli). FDA-approved HTLV-1/HTLV-2 assay kits include the Elecsys HTLV-1/HTLV-2 Assay Kit (Abbott) as well as the HTLV-I/II Microelisa System (Avioq). Anti-HTLV-1/ HTLV-2 assay is designed to screen blood, blood components, organs, tissues, and cells donors. Antibodies to HTLV-2 have significant cross-reactivity with the HTLV-1 antigen.
Elecsys HTLV-1/HTLV-2 Assay
For the qualitative testing of HTLV-1 and/or HTLV-2 antibodies (anti-HTLV-1/HTLV-2), the Elecsys HTLV-1/HTLV-2 Assay is an in vitro chemiluminescent enzyme immunoassay (CLIA) used for human serum and plasma specimens. The kit comprises specific recombinant antigens HTLV-1 (gp21) and HTLV-2 (p24), both expressed in E. coli.
HTLV-I/II Microelisa System
The Avioq HTLV-1/ HTLV-2 Microelisa System is an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Its solid phase (Microwells) is coated with a purified HTLV-2 viral lysate, a purified HTLV-1 viral lysate, and a recombinant HTLV-1 p21E antigen.
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