Recommendations for counseling persons infected with human T-lymphotrophic virus, types I and II. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and U.S. Public Health Service Working Group.

The human T-lymphotropic viruses, type I (HTLV-I) and type II (HTLV-II), are closely related but distinct retroviruses that can infect humans. They are different from the human immunodeficiency viruses that cause acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. Screening of the U.S. blood supply for HTLV-I/II, which began in 1988, identifies HTLV-I- and HTLV-II-infected persons who should be counseled regarding their infections. This document summarizes current information about HTLV, types I and II, and presents recommendations developed by CDC and a U.S. Public Health Service working group for counseling HTLV-I- and HTLV-II-infected persons.