Cost-effectiveness of human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1) antenatal screening for prevention of mother-to-child transmission.

HTLV-1 antenatal screening is cost-effective and has the potential to reduce ATL and HAM/TSP morbidity and mortality in Japan. The findings strongly support the recommendation for HTLV-1 antenatal screening as a national infection control policy in HTLV-1 high-prevalence countries.