HTLV-I-Associated Uveitis Blood Test

What is HTLV-I-associated uveitis?

HTLV-I-associated uveitis is a rare inflammatory eye disease that affects the uvea, the middle layer of the eye, and can lead to vision problems. It is caused by infection with Human T-Cell Lymphotropic Virus Type I (HTLV-I), a retrovirus that can remain dormant for years before triggering complications. The Human T-Cell Lymphotropic Virus I, II Antibodies Test with Confirmation is the most important test for diagnosis because it detects antibodies confirming HTLV-I infection.

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What causes HTLV-I-associated uveitis?

HTLV-I-associated uveitis is caused by infection with Human T-Cell Lymphotropic Virus Type I (HTLV-I), a retrovirus transmitted through blood, sexual contact, or from mother to child during breastfeeding. The virus infects T-cells in the immune system and can remain dormant for many years before triggering inflammatory complications. When the virus becomes active, it causes inflammation in the uvea, the middle layer of the eye containing blood vessels, leading to eye pain, blurred vision, and light sensitivity.

What is the best test for HTLV-I-associated uveitis?

The Human T-Cell Lymphotropic Virus I, II Antibodies Test with Confirmation is the most important test for HTLV-I-associated uveitis because it specifically detects antibodies against HTLV-I in the blood. This comprehensive blood test includes both preliminary screening and confirmatory testing to ensure accurate diagnosis and avoid false positives. When you present with uveitis symptoms, this test helps your doctor determine if HTLV-I infection is the underlying cause, distinguishing it from other forms of uveitis and guiding appropriate treatment for both the viral infection and the inflammatory eye condition.

When should I get tested for HTLV-I-associated uveitis?

You should get tested if you experience eye redness, pain, blurred vision, or sensitivity to light, especially if you have risk factors for HTLV-I infection such as living in or traveling from endemic areas like Japan, the Caribbean, or parts of Africa and South America. Testing is also important if you have a history of blood transfusions before 1988, have engaged in unprotected sex with multiple partners, or were breastfed by a mother from an HTLV-I endemic region. Early detection through blood testing helps prevent vision loss and allows for prompt treatment of the inflammatory eye condition.

What are the symptoms of HTLV-I-associated uveitis?
Symptoms of HTLV-I-associated uveitis include eye redness, pain, blurred or decreased vision, sensitivity to light (photophobia), and seeing floaters or spots in your vision. You might experience these symptoms in one or both eyes, and they can develop gradually or suddenly. Some people also notice a headache around the affected eye or a feeling of pressure. The symptoms can come and go in episodes, and without treatment, they may worsen over time and lead to permanent vision damage.
Who is at risk for HTLV-I-associated uveitis?
People at highest risk are those from or with connections to HTLV-I endemic regions including Japan, the Caribbean islands, parts of South America, central Africa, and certain areas of the Middle East. Your risk increases if you received blood transfusions before 1988 when screening began, have had unprotected sex with infected partners, share needles for drug use, or were breastfed by an HTLV-I positive mother. Healthcare workers with needle-stick injuries and people with family members who have HTLV-I infection also face elevated risk.
What happens if HTLV-I-associated uveitis is left untreated?
Untreated HTLV-I-associated uveitis can lead to serious and permanent vision complications including glaucoma, cataracts, retinal detachment, and macular edema (swelling of the central retina). The chronic inflammation damages delicate eye structures over time, potentially causing irreversible vision loss or even blindness. The underlying HTLV-I infection can also progress to other serious conditions like adult T-cell leukemia-lymphoma or HTLV-I-associated myelopathy, a neurological condition affecting the spinal cord. Early diagnosis through blood testing and prompt treatment are essential to preserve vision and prevent these devastating complications.
Can HTLV-I-associated uveitis be diagnosed with a blood test?
Yes, HTLV-I-associated uveitis is diagnosed through a combination of eye examination and blood testing for HTLV-I antibodies. While your eye doctor can see the inflammatory changes characteristic of uveitis during an examination, a blood test is essential to confirm that HTLV-I infection is the underlying cause. The HTLV-I antibody test detects immune proteins your body produces in response to the virus, confirming current or past infection. This blood test provides the definitive diagnosis that distinguishes HTLV-I-associated uveitis from other types of inflammatory eye disease.
How is HTLV-I-associated uveitis treated?
Treatment for HTLV-I-associated uveitis focuses on controlling inflammation and managing the viral infection. Your doctor typically prescribes corticosteroid eye drops or oral steroids to reduce inflammation in the eye, and may add immunosuppressive medications for severe or recurrent cases. While there is no cure for HTLV-I infection, antiviral therapy may be considered in some situations. You will need regular follow-up appointments with an ophthalmologist to monitor your eye health and adjust treatment as needed to prevent complications and preserve your vision.
How can I prevent HTLV-I-associated uveitis?
Prevention focuses on avoiding HTLV-I infection since the uveitis develops as a complication of the viral infection. Practice safe sex by using condoms consistently, avoid sharing needles or injection equipment, and be aware that the blood supply has been screened for HTLV since 1988 in many countries. If you are HTLV-I positive and pregnant, talk to your doctor about avoiding breastfeeding to prevent transmission to your baby, as formula feeding significantly reduces this risk. People from endemic areas should consider getting tested before donating blood or organs.
What can I do at home for HTLV-I-associated uveitis?
While home remedies cannot replace medical treatment, you can support your eye health by wearing sunglasses to reduce light sensitivity and discomfort when outdoors, applying cool compresses to soothe eye pain and irritation, and getting adequate rest to support your immune system. Avoid rubbing your eyes, which can worsen inflammation, and maintain good nutrition with foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants to support overall eye health. However, medical treatment with prescribed anti-inflammatory medications is essential, so always follow your doctor's treatment plan and attend all follow-up appointments to monitor your condition.
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Human T-Cell Lymphotropic Virus I, II (HTLV-I/HTLV-II) Antibodies, Preliminary Test W/ Confirmation
Google reviews 505 reviews
$287 $224
What's included
Fast & easy, results by email & SMS
No need to visit a doctor
Private & confidential
No insurance needed
Results explained
No extra fees paid at the lab

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