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TT virus as a human pathogen: significance and problems.
C Springfeld1, J J Bugert, P Schnitzler
1Institut für Medizinische Virologie der Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg, Federal Republic of Germany.
Virus Genes
|April 15, 2000
Summary
TT virus (TTV) is a novel, circular, single-stranded DNA virus discovered in 1997. Its genome shows no homology to known sequences, and its transmission routes and pathogenic significance remain under investigation.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Molecular Biology
- Genomics
Background:
- TT virus (TTV) was first detected in 1997 in a patient with posttransfusion hepatitis.
- TTV possesses a circular single-stranded DNA genome of 3852 nucleotides with negative polarity.
- Its genomic sequences show no significant homology to known viral sequences, suggesting it may represent a new virus family.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the genome of TTV.
- To investigate the potential classification of TTV within existing or new viral families.
- To explore the genetic diversity and potential transmission routes of TTV.
Main Methods:
- Representational Difference Analysis (RDA) for initial detection.
- Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) for amplification and sequence analysis.
- Complete DNA nucleotide sequencing of the TTV genome.
Main Results:
- The TTV genome consists of three partially overlapping open reading frames (ORFs).
- Significant sequence variations were observed in TTV DNA amplified from different patients.
- Evidence suggests transmission via blood products, with fecal shedding indicating potential environmental transmission.
Conclusions:
- TTV represents a distinct viral entity with an unknown origin and evolutionary relationship.
- The pathogenic role and replication mechanisms of TTV in humans require further elucidation.
- Epidemiological studies on TTV prevalence are hampered by variations in PCR detection methods, necessitating standardized approaches.