Evaluation of the immunochromatographic assay for HTLV-1/2 detection in Gabon: genotype-specific limitations in Central Africa

Over 5 million people in Africa are living with HTLV-1 without knowing their serological status or the potential risks of associated diseases. Contrary to other industrialized countries, where systematic HTLV-1/2 screening is implemented, HTLV-1 antibody screening appears to be totally absent in low-income countries of the African continent. Such conditions are undoubtedly due to the high cost of current HTLV-1/2 reagents and laboratory equipment needed for retrovirus screening. In this context, the newly developed lateral flow immunochromatographic assay (IC), specifically the MP Diagnostics ASSURE HTLV-I/II Rapid Test, could help not only to gain a better understanding of HTLV-1/2 epidemiology but also to improve the health care system of low-income countries. Thus, in this study, we aimed to assess the performance of this IC assay with HTLV-1/2 African genotypes.