Human T-lymphotropic virus 2

[4]HTLV-1 and HTLV-2 share broad similarities in their overall genetic organization and expression pattern, but they differ substantially in their pathogenic properties.

In (Figure 3) open reading frames (ORF) are shown which can if translated predict which genes will be present and this can help to better understand human retroviruses.

[5] In one study involving cultured lymphocytes from patients with mycosis fungoides (Figure 1), PCR amplification showed gene sequences of HTLV-II.

[6] Infection with HTLV-2 generally causes no signs or symptoms and the virus has not been definitively linked with any specific health problems, but has been associated with several cases of myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP)-like neurological disease.

It is suspected that some affected people may later develop neurological problems such as:[7][6] Although evidence is limited, there may also be a link between HTLV-2 and chronic lung infections (i.e. pneumonia and bronchitis), asthma and dermatitis.

Diagnosis may occur during  for blood donation, testing performed due to an infection, or a work-up for an HTLV-2-associated medical problems.

blood donors, promoting safe sex, and discouraging needle sharing can decrease the number of new infections.

A phylogeny of the subtypes of HTLV and their relationships between endogenous and exogenous retroviruses in the human genome. HERV = human endogenous retrovirus, SFV = simian foamy virus
Figure 1. Mycosis fungoides , a skin disease showing nodules and plaques composed of lymphocytes spread across the skin, has been associated with HTLV-II infection [ 5 ]