Reasonable Hypothesis SOP [1] | 96 of 2018 |
Balance of Probabilities SOP [2] | 97 of 2018 |
SOP Bulletin 205 [3]
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).
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.
Clinical onset in most cases will be when the virus is detected on testing.
The condition will remain asymptomatic in most people. Treatment is not indicated for asymptomatic individuals.
Links
[1] http://www.rma.gov.au/assets/SOP/2018/096.pdf
[2] http://www.rma.gov.au/assets/SOP/2018/097.pdf
[3] https://clik.dva.gov.au/system/files/media/SOP%20Bulletin%20205.pdf