Not all people with HTLV-I infection will get ATL, but in those that do, the Leukemia is often fatal. This form of Leukemia may not become symptomatic until literally decades after infection with the HTLV-I virus. This is a neurological condition causing a variety of neurological symptoms, including lower limb weakness, loss of bladder control, low back pain, and sensory abnormalities such as tingling, a pins and needles sensation, or a burning sensation. The only mass screening for HTLV-I in the USA is in the American Blood supply. Distinctions are made primarily at the molecular and genetic level.
Some strains are resistant to various antiviral drugs.
The important thing to remember is that each of these strains is transmitted the same way, and they all cause the same disease. The test should be essentially the same wherever you go. These tests should pick up an infection, regardless of the subtype or strain. The rare exception is the Group O strain of HIV-1, which may or may not be detected on currently available tests. HIV-1. Group O is extremely rare worldwide, and is primarily found in Western and Central Africa.