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TT virus infection during childhood
Hitoshi Ohto1, Niro Ujiie, Chikako Takeuchi
1Division of Blood Transfusion and Transplantation Immunology, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima City, Japan. hit-ohto@fmu.ac.jp
Transfusion
|October 12, 2002
Summary
TT virus (TTV) is commonly found in people, but how it spreads is unknown. This study suggests TTV is acquired by children through environmental interactions as they grow, not from their mothers.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Infectious Diseases
- Hepatology
Background:
- TT virus (TTV) is prevalent globally, yet its transmission routes and persistence mechanisms remain unclear.
- Understanding TTV transmission is crucial for public health, especially concerning potential mother-to-infant spread.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the mother-to-infant transmission of TT virus (TTV).
- To explore the acquisition routes and potential clinical significance of TTV in infants.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal assessment of 54 infants born to 50 anti-HCV-positive mothers.
- Seminested PCR amplification of TTV DNA targeting the N22 variable coding region (genotypes 1-6).
- Comparison of nucleotide sequences between mothers and infants, including cord blood and infant blood samples at various ages.
Main Results:
- TTV DNA prevalence was 30% in mothers and 44% in infants.
- Infants born to TTV DNA-positive mothers showed a higher infection rate (87%) compared to those born to negative mothers (28%).
- TTV acquisition increased with age, suggesting non-parenteral, environment-dependent routes; maternal viral load was not a risk factor. Genotype 1 was cleared more rapidly by infants.
Conclusions:
- The primary route for TTV acquisition in children appears to be age-associated environmental interactions.
- Mother-to-infant transmission is not the main route, and TTV Genotype 1 may have a limited pathogenic role.