Current RMA Instruments
| Reasonable Hypothesis SOP | 96 of 2018 |
| Balance of Probabilities SOP | 97 of 2018 |
Changes from previous Instruments
ICD Coding
- ICD-9-CM Codes: 079.51, 079.52
- ICD-10-AM Codes: Z22.6
Brief description
HTLV-1 is a retrovirus. In Australia the virus occurs in many Aboriginal populations. Infection is asymptomatic in most people. Around 5% will have clinical manifestations, with a myelopathy being the most common feature. The infection is associated with a risk of developing Adult T cell leukemia-lymphoma (covered by a separate SOP).
Confirming the diagnosis
Diagnosis requires the detection of HTLV-1 antibodies or antigens in blood or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), culture of the virus from CSF lymphocytes, or detection of proviral DNA by polymerase chain reaction.
The relevant medical specialist is an infectious diseases physician.
Additional diagnoses covered by SOP
- HTLV-1 infection
Conditions not covered by SOP
- HTLV-2 infection
Clinical onset
Clinical onset in most cases will be when the virus is detected on testing.
Clinical worsening
The condition will remain asymptomatic in most people. Treatment is not indicated for asymptomatic individuals.