Human T-cell leukemia viruses (HTLV-1 and HTLV-2) are associated with a variety of human diseases, including some severe ones. Transfusion transmission of HTLV
through cellular blood components is undeniable. HTLV screening of blood donations became mandatory in different countries to improve the safety of blood
supplies. In Japan and Europe, most HTLV-infected donors are HTLV-1 positive, whereas in the United States a higher prevalence of HTLV-2 is reported. Many
industrialized countries have also introduced universal leukoreduction of blood components, and pathogen inactivation technologies might be another effective
preventive strategy, especially if and when generalized to all blood cellular products. Considering all measures available to minimize HTLV blood transmission, the
question is what would be the most suitable and costeffective strategy to ensure a high level of blood safety regarding these viruses, considering that there is no
solution that can be deemed optimal for all countries
