Question 1

What is HTLV-I associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP)?

Accepted Answer

HTLV-I associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP) is a chronic neurodegenerative disease that causes progressive inflammation of the spinal cord, resulting in weakness, stiffness, and difficulty walking. It is caused by the Human T-Cell Lymphotropic Virus Type I (HTLV-I), a retrovirus that infects white blood cells and triggers an immune response that damages the spinal cord. The Human T-Cell Lymphotropic Virus I, II (HTLV-I/HTLV-II) Qualitative test is the most important test for diagnosis because it detects the presence of HTLV-I DNA, confirming the underlying viral infection.

Question 2

What causes HAM/TSP?

Accepted Answer

HAM/TSP is caused by the Human T-Cell Lymphotropic Virus Type I (HTLV-I), a retrovirus that infects CD4+ T lymphocytes (white blood cells). After infection, the virus can trigger a chronic inflammatory response in the spinal cord, leading to progressive damage of the nerve fibers. While many people infected with HTLV-I remain asymptomatic throughout their lives, approximately 1-2% develop HAM/TSP, typically years or decades after the initial infection. The exact mechanism that causes some infected individuals to develop neurological symptoms while others do not is still being studied, but it involves a combination of viral load, immune response, and genetic factors.

Question 3

What is the best test for HAM/TSP?

Accepted Answer

The Human T-Cell Lymphotropic Virus I, II (HTLV-I/HTLV-II) Qualitative test is the most important test for HAM/TSP because it detects the presence of HTLV-I DNA in your blood, confirming the underlying viral infection that causes this condition. This blood test is essential for diagnosis since HAM/TSP cannot develop without HTLV-I infection. A positive HTLV-I result, combined with characteristic neurological symptoms like progressive leg weakness, stiffness, and walking difficulty, helps your healthcare provider make an accurate diagnosis. While the blood test confirms viral infection, your doctor will also perform neurological examinations and may order imaging studies like MRI to assess spinal cord inflammation and rule out other conditions with similar symptoms.

Question 4

When should I get tested for HAM/TSP?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if you experience progressive weakness or stiffness in your legs, difficulty walking or maintaining balance, frequent urinary urgency or bladder control problems, or lower back pain that worsens over time. Testing is especially important if you were born in or have lived in areas where HTLV-I is common, such as Japan, the Caribbean, parts of South America, or sub-Saharan Africa. You should also consider testing if you have received blood transfusions before 1988 (when screening began), if you have a sexual partner with known HTLV-I infection, or if your mother had HTLV-I infection (the virus can be transmitted through breastfeeding). Early detection helps your healthcare provider monitor your condition and begin appropriate management to slow disease progression.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of HAM/TSP?

Accepted Answer

HAM/TSP causes progressive neurological symptoms that typically develop slowly over months to years. The most common symptoms include weakness and stiffness in both legs (spastic paraparesis), difficulty walking that gradually worsens, muscle spasms or cramps in the legs, and problems with balance and coordination. You might also experience bladder problems such as urgency, frequency, or incontinence, as well as bowel dysfunction and constipation. Lower back pain is common, and some people develop numbness or tingling sensations in the legs. Sexual dysfunction can also occur. Symptoms usually affect both legs symmetrically and tend to progress slowly, with most people eventually requiring walking aids or wheelchairs.

Question 6

Who is at risk for HAM/TSP?

Accepted Answer

People at highest risk for HAM/TSP are those infected with HTLV-I, particularly individuals from endemic regions including southwestern Japan, the Caribbean basin, parts of Central and South America, sub-Saharan Africa, and parts of the Middle East. Women are 2-3 times more likely to develop HAM/TSP than men, and the disease typically appears in adulthood, most commonly between ages 40-60. Risk factors for HTLV-I infection include being born to an infected mother, receiving unscreened blood transfusions (especially before 1988), engaging in unprotected sex with an infected partner, sharing needles for drug use, or receiving an organ transplant from an infected donor. Having HTLV-I infection does not guarantee you will develop HAM/TSP, as only 1-2% of infected individuals develop this neurological complication.

Question 7

What happens if HAM/TSP is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

If HAM/TSP is left unmanaged, the progressive spinal cord inflammation leads to worsening disability over time. Leg weakness and spasticity gradually increase, making walking increasingly difficult and eventually impossible without assistance. Most people progress from normal walking to needing a cane, then a walker, and ultimately a wheelchair, typically over 10-20 years. Untreated bladder dysfunction can lead to recurrent urinary tract infections, kidney damage, and complete loss of bladder control. Chronic constipation can cause serious complications, and immobility increases the risk of pressure sores, blood clots, pneumonia, and muscle wasting. While HAM/TSP itself is not typically fatal, complications from severe disability can significantly impact life expectancy. Early diagnosis and management can help slow progression, manage symptoms, and maintain quality of life for longer.

Question 8

Can HAM/TSP be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Yes, blood testing is essential for HAM/TSP diagnosis, as it detects the HTLV-I virus that causes this condition. The Human T-Cell Lymphotropic Virus I, II (HTLV-I/HTLV-II) Qualitative blood test identifies HTLV-I DNA or antibodies, confirming viral infection. However, a complete diagnosis requires more than just a positive blood test, since most people with HTLV-I never develop HAM/TSP. Your healthcare provider will combine the blood test results with your clinical symptoms, neurological examination findings, and often additional tests like MRI imaging of the spinal cord and cerebrospinal fluid analysis. The blood test confirms the presence of the causative virus, while other evaluations confirm the characteristic spinal cord inflammation and rule out other conditions with similar symptoms, such as multiple sclerosis or spinal cord tumors.

Question 9

How is HAM/TSP treated?

Accepted Answer

HAM/TSP currently has no cure, but treatment focuses on managing symptoms and slowing disease progression. Corticosteroids like prednisone or interferon-alpha may be used to reduce spinal cord inflammation in some patients. Muscle relaxants such as baclofen or tizanidine help control leg stiffness and spasms. Physical therapy is crucial for maintaining mobility, strength, and flexibility for as long as possible. Bladder problems are managed with medications like oxybutynin or through intermittent catheterization. Pain management may include medications like gabapentin or pregabalin. Assistive devices such as canes, walkers, or wheelchairs help maintain independence as the disease progresses. Some patients may benefit from experimental treatments with antiviral medications or immunomodulatory therapies, though these remain under investigation. Regular follow-up with a neurologist is important to adjust treatments as symptoms change.

Question 10

How can I prevent HAM/TSP?

Accepted Answer

Preventing HAM/TSP means preventing HTLV-I infection, since the virus causes the disease. Practice safe sex by using condoms consistently, especially if you have multiple partners or live in areas where HTLV-I is common. If you are pregnant and have HTLV-I, avoid breastfeeding, as the virus transmits through breast milk; formula feeding significantly reduces transmission to your baby. The blood supply in the United States has been screened for HTLV-I since 1988, making transmission through transfusions extremely rare. Never share needles or drug injection equipment. If you know you have HTLV-I infection, inform your healthcare providers before any procedures, and notify sexual partners so they can get tested. While you cannot prevent HAM/TSP once you have HTLV-I infection, maintaining overall health, staying active, and getting regular medical checkups may help detect early symptoms when interventions are most effective.

Question 11

What can I do at home for HAM/TSP?

Accepted Answer

At home, focus on maintaining mobility and independence for as long as possible through regular gentle exercise and stretching to prevent muscle stiffness and contractures. Daily leg stretches, range-of-motion exercises, and water-based activities can be particularly helpful. Stay hydrated and eat a high-fiber diet to manage constipation, and establish a regular bathroom schedule to help with bladder control. Make your home safer by installing grab bars in bathrooms, removing tripping hazards like loose rugs, and ensuring good lighting throughout. Use assistive devices as recommended by your physical therapist, and do not wait until falls occur before accepting mobility aids. Maintain a healthy weight to reduce strain on weakened legs. Join support groups to connect with others managing HAM/TSP, as emotional support is crucial for coping with progressive disability. Keep all medical appointments and communicate openly with your healthcare team about new symptoms or concerns.

Question 12

How’s this work?

Accepted Answer

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short:
            
                In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
                If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
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                If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
                When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
                Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
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Question 13

How do I know which test to get?

Accepted Answer

In the test options, find the test you want.
            If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option.
            Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

Question 14

When will my lab results be available?

Accepted Answer

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know.
            After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop!
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Question 15

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you.
            Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at
            support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update.
            Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you.
            There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out.
            Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Question 16

Do you accept health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Only HSA & FSA is accepted.
            Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts.
            This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Question 17

Can I cancel my order?

Accepted Answer

Yes.
            We get it – sometimes your needs change.
            As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order.
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            You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

Question 18

How can I find a lab location near me?

Accepted Answer

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached!
            You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp).
            Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

HAM/TSP Blood Test

What is HTLV-I associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP)?

What causes HAM/TSP?

What is the best test for HAM/TSP?

When should I get tested for HAM/TSP?

References

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