[Genotypes of transfusion-transmitted virus]

To investigate the genotypes of transfusion-transmitted virus (TTV) in South China.

One capture probe for all types of TTV from the conserved sequence nt2160 to nt2196 and six varied probes, heterogeneity more than 20% between each other for G1, G2, G3, G4, G5 and G6 type, respectively were synthesized. The primers coming from the conserved sequence of ORF1 were used to amplify TTV DNA from the serums of patients. Microplate sandwich hybridization-ELISA technique was used to detect the genotypes of TTV in 380 hepatitis patients with liver damage.

Sixty-one of 380 patients, about 16.0%, were TTV DNA positive, in whom 44 were genotype I (G1), 5 were G2, 10 were mixed infection of G1 and G2, one was G3 and one was G4. Neither G5 nor G6 has been detected. The rate of TTV infection in chronic hepatitis patients was equal to that in acute hepatitis patients.

TTV infection is common in South China. There are four types of TTV. The first genotype was G1, and the second was G2. G5 or G6 has not yet been detected. PCR microplate sandwich hybridization-ELISA has certain value in clinic diagnosis for its specific, sensitive and practicable characters.