Question 1

What is HTLV-II-associated neurological diseases?

Accepted Answer

HTLV-II-associated neurological diseases are neurological complications caused by infection with Human T-Cell Lymphotropic Virus Type II, a retrovirus that infects immune cells. The condition is caused by the HTLV-II retrovirus, which can gradually damage the nervous system over time. The Human T-Cell Lymphotropic Virus I, II (HTLV-I/HTLV-II) Antibodies Test with Confirmation is the most important test for diagnosis because it detects specific antibodies that confirm active infection with the virus.

Question 2

What causes HTLV-II-associated neurological diseases?

Accepted Answer

HTLV-II-associated neurological diseases are caused by infection with Human T-Cell Lymphotropic Virus Type II (HTLV-II), a retrovirus that targets and infects immune cells in the body. The virus is primarily transmitted through blood contact, sexual intercourse, breastfeeding, or sharing needles. Once HTLV-II infects the body, it can persist for life and gradually affect the nervous system over time, though not everyone infected will develop neurological complications.

Question 3

What is the best test for HTLV-II-associated neurological diseases?

Accepted Answer

The Human T-Cell Lymphotropic Virus I, II (HTLV-I/HTLV-II) Antibodies Test with Confirmation is the most important test for HTLV-II-associated neurological diseases because it specifically detects antibodies produced by your immune system in response to HTLV-II infection. This comprehensive test uses a preliminary screening followed by confirmatory testing to ensure accurate results and properly differentiate between HTLV-I and HTLV-II infections. The presence of HTLV-II antibodies in your blood confirms active infection with the virus, which is essential for understanding your risk of developing neurological complications and establishing appropriate medical monitoring.

Question 4

When should I get tested for HTLV-II?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if you have received blood transfusions before 1988, have injected drugs or shared needles, have had unprotected sex with multiple partners, or were born to a mother with HTLV infection. Testing is also important if you experience unexplained neurological symptoms like muscle weakness, difficulty walking, bladder problems, or numbness in the limbs. Early detection through blood testing allows for proper medical monitoring and management even before significant neurological symptoms develop.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of HTLV-II-associated neurological diseases?

Accepted Answer

Symptoms of HTLV-II-associated neurological diseases develop gradually and may include muscle weakness, particularly in the legs, difficulty walking or maintaining balance, and bladder or bowel dysfunction. You might also experience numbness or tingling sensations in your limbs, muscle stiffness or spasms, and progressive difficulty with fine motor tasks. Because these symptoms overlap with other neurological conditions and develop slowly over years, many people do not recognize them as related to HTLV-II infection until they become more pronounced.

Question 6

Who is at risk for HTLV-II infection?

Accepted Answer

People at highest risk for HTLV-II infection include individuals who inject drugs or share needles, those who received blood transfusions or organ transplants before routine screening began in 1988, and people with multiple sexual partners or unprotected sex. Children born to infected mothers are at risk through breastfeeding, and individuals from endemic areas including certain Native American populations and parts of Central and South America have higher infection rates. Healthcare workers with needlestick injuries and people who have had tattoos or piercings with unsterilized equipment also face increased risk.

Question 7

What happens if HTLV-II infection is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

If HTLV-II infection is left unmonitored, it can lead to progressive neurological deterioration including chronic myelopathy, which causes increasing difficulty with walking and mobility. Over time, untreated infection may result in permanent nerve damage, loss of bladder and bowel control, and significant disability affecting your quality of life. While not everyone with HTLV-II develops severe complications, the lack of monitoring means you miss opportunities for supportive treatments and interventions that can help manage symptoms and slow disease progression.

Question 8

Can HTLV-II-associated neurological diseases be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Yes, HTLV-II infection can be definitively diagnosed with a blood test that detects antibodies against the virus. The blood test uses enzyme immunoassay screening followed by confirmatory testing with Western blot or other methods to ensure accurate identification of HTLV-II antibodies. While the blood test confirms infection status, your doctor may also order additional neurological evaluations including spinal fluid analysis or imaging studies to assess the extent of neurological involvement and rule out other conditions.

Question 9

How is HTLV-II-associated neurological disease treated?

Accepted Answer

Treatment for HTLV-II-associated neurological diseases focuses on managing symptoms and slowing disease progression since there is no cure for the viral infection itself. Your healthcare provider may prescribe corticosteroids or immunomodulatory medications to reduce inflammation in the nervous system, along with physical therapy to maintain mobility and muscle strength. Bladder dysfunction may be managed with medications or catheterization, while pain management, muscle relaxants for spasticity, and supportive care help maintain quality of life as the condition progresses.

Question 10

How can I prevent HTLV-II infection?

Accepted Answer

You can prevent HTLV-II infection by avoiding sharing needles or drug injection equipment, practicing safe sex using condoms, and ensuring any blood transfusions or organ transplants come from screened donors. If you are pregnant and infected with HTLV-II, avoiding breastfeeding can prevent transmission to your baby, as formula feeding eliminates this risk. Healthcare workers should follow proper safety protocols to prevent needlestick injuries, and everyone should ensure tattoos and piercings are done with sterile, single-use equipment at licensed facilities.

Question 11

What can I do at home to manage HTLV-II-associated neurological symptoms?

Accepted Answer

At home, you can manage HTLV-II-associated neurological symptoms by maintaining a regular exercise routine with low-impact activities like swimming or stationary cycling to preserve muscle strength and mobility. Implement safety modifications in your home such as grab bars in the bathroom, non-slip mats, and clear walkways to prevent falls as balance becomes more challenging. Stay well-hydrated, maintain a fiber-rich diet to help with bowel function, practice stress-reduction techniques, and keep regular appointments with your healthcare team to monitor progression and adjust management strategies as needed.

Question 12

How’s this work?

Accepted Answer

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short:
            
                In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
                If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
                Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
                If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
                When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
                Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
                You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!
                If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Question 13

How do I know which test to get?

Accepted Answer

In the test options, find the test you want.
            If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option.
            Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

Question 14

When will my lab results be available?

Accepted Answer

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know.
            After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop!
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Question 15

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you.
            Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at
            support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update.
            Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you.
            There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out.
            Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Question 16

Do you accept health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Only HSA & FSA is accepted.
            Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts.
            This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Question 17

Can I cancel my order?

Accepted Answer

Yes.
            We get it – sometimes your needs change.
            As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order.
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.
            You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

Question 18

How can I find a lab location near me?

Accepted Answer

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached!
            You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp).
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            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

HTLV-II Neurological Disease Blood Test

What is HTLV-II-associated neurological diseases?

What causes HTLV-II-associated neurological diseases?

What is the best test for HTLV-II-associated neurological diseases?

When should I get tested for HTLV-II?

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