       Document 0034
 DOCN  M9620034
 TI    Implications of human T-lymphotropic virus type-I and type-II testing in
       donors and patients.
 DT    9602
 AU    Fischer HE; Lichtiger B; Glassman AB; Division of Laboratory Medicine,
       University of Texas M. D.; Anderson Cancer Center, Houston 77030, USA.
 SO    Ann Clin Lab Sci. 1995 Sep-Oct;25(5):373-80. Unique Identifier :
       AIDSLINE MED/96042726
 AB    The retroviruses known as Human T-Lymphotropic Virus Types I and II
       (HTLV-I and -II) were recognized before the human immunodeficiency virus
       (HIV-1). Associated diseases of HTLV-I infection, including a particular
       kind of leukemia or the development of a specific demyelinating disease,
       have also been observed. Screening of blood donors for antibodies to
       HTLV was mandated in November of 1988. This paper examines the biology
       of HTLV-I and HTLV-II and reviews the testing methods for HTLV-I/II.
       Data from 39,908 blood donations of volunteer donors at The University
       of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center (UTMDACC), Division of Laboratory
       Medicine, Section of Transfusion Medicine are presented. Initially
       reactive specimens for HTLV antibodies were 158 (0.4 percent). Of these
       0.26 percent or 105 of 39,908 were repeatedly reactive. Eight hundred
       and sixty-seven cancer patients were also tested for HTLV antibodies.
       Eight or 0.9 percent were repeatedly reactive for HTLV antibodies by
       enzyme immunoassays (EIA), but only one could be confirmed as positive.
       HTLV-I/II has a very low incidence in the ambulatory population. The
       relationship of clinical sequelae and the rate of transmission of these
       viruses remain unclear. A readily applicable confirmatory test is not
       yet available. Even significant improvements in the sensitivity and
       specificity of testing will present ongoing problems for identification
       of true HTLV carriers. The clinical decision-making process related to
       the meaning of these results continues to be difficult.
 DE    Adult  Aged  *Blood Donors  Female  Human  HTLV-I Antibodies/*BLOOD
       HTLV-II Antibodies/*BLOOD  Male  Middle Age  Neoplasms/VIROLOGY
       Support, Non-U.S. Gov't  JOURNAL ARTICLE

       SOURCE: National Library of Medicine.  NOTICE: This material may be
       protected by Copyright Law (Title 17, U.S.Code).

