title: Serological diagnosis of HTLV-I/II infections in France.
abstract: During the last years, important improvements have been made in the field of HTLV-I/II serodiagnosis. The screening tests, which combine higher performances of the sensitivity towards HTLV-I and HTLV-II samples, and better specificity, are manifold. The criteria of positivity by western-blots have been reinforced. As for HIV, some western-blot profiles with no evolution on two successive samples, correspond to non specific HTLV reactions. HTLV-I/II serotyping is easier than before. More effective tools will certainly be available in the coming years for the Blood Transfusion Services and the physicians.
authors.affiliation: Centre Régional de Transfusion Sanguine, Montpellier, France.
authors.forename: J M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Lemaire
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Voisin
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Coste
mesh_terms: D015153:Blotting, Western; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005602:France; D015490:HTLV-I Infections / Q000175:diagnosis*; D015491:HTLV-II Infections / Q000175:diagnosis*; D006801:Humans; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000379:methods*; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D012698:Serologic Tests / Q000379:methods*; D065227:Transfusion Reaction