The EIAgen HTLV I-II Ab Kit assay, is a solid phase enzyme immunoassay utilizing a mixture of antigens for the in vitro diagnostic screening in human serum or plasma (EDTA, Heparin, Sodium Citrate) of antibodies to Human T-cell Lymphotropic Virus type I&II or HTLV I&II Ab. The kit may be used for the screening of blood units of HTLV I&II-infected patients. For Research Use Only.
Introduction
Human T-cell Lymphotropic virus type I (HTLV-I) is a Type-C retrovirus 1, 2 not related genetically to HIV 3, implicated as the causative agent of adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma. It is also linked to a type of neuromyelopathy 4. A second human T-cell lymphotropic virus, designated HTLV-II, shares similar structural features, antigenic properties, genome organization and route of transmission. However, HTLV‑II is not specifically associated with any specific disease.
Serological cross-reactivity between HTLV-I and HTLV-II is highly variable, necessitating the inclusion of antigens from both HTLV-I and HTLV-II to ensure detection of antibodies to both HTLV-I and HTLV-II. The presence of anti-HTLV-I and/or HTLV-II antibodies in the blood indicates that the blood probably contains viruses and should not be used for transfusion or for manufacture of injectable products.
HTLV-I is endemic in southern Japan, the Caribbean and the US and many other scattered populations through the world. HTLV-II is endemic in some native American populations but is detected mostly in intravenous drug users and their sexual partners.
HTLV-I and HTLV-II are transmitted transplacentally, parentally; the transmission may also come from sexual contact and infected blood.