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The newborns Torque teno virus dynamics depending on the term, feeding type and maternal viral load

Elena A Lolomadze, Anna V Degtyareva, Denis V Rebrikov

    Acta Virologica
    |September 27, 2021
    PubMed

    Insights

    Torque teno virus (TTV) is not transmitted from mother to baby. Most infants acquire TTV by 14 weeks, regardless of birth status or feeding type, establishing the early-life virome.

    Area of Science:

    • Immunology
    • Virology
    • Neonatology

    Background:

    • The early-life immunity-virome interaction is crucial for long-term health.
    • Torque teno virus (TTV), a common commensal virus, plays a role in immune system development.
    • Understanding TTV acquisition in newborns is essential for characterizing the developing virome.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate Torque teno virus (TTV) dynamics in infants during the first 14 weeks of life.
    • To examine the relationship between infant TTV load, maternal TTV load, and feeding type.
    • To assess TTV transmission patterns, including potential transplacental transmission.

    Main Methods:

    • Quantitative PCR (qPCR) was used to measure whole blood TTV load in 152 infants (full-term and premature) and 33 mothers.
    • Longitudinal sampling (2-11 time points) was performed on 50 infants to track TTV dynamics.
    • Analysis included correlations with gestational age, maternal TTV load, and feeding methods (breastfeeding vs. formula).

    Main Results:

    • TTV was not detected in newborns under two weeks of age, confirming no transplacental transmission.
    • All one-week-old infants born to TTV-positive mothers tested negative for TTV.
    • Most infants (over 71%) became TTV-positive by 14 weeks of age, irrespective of gestational age, maternal viral load, or feeding type.

    Conclusions:

    • Torque teno virus (TTV) acquisition primarily occurs after birth, not via transplacental transmission.
    • Infant TTV load dynamics in early life are not significantly influenced by maternal TTV levels or feeding practices.
    • This study highlights the common postnatal acquisition of TTV, contributing to the establishment of the infant virome.

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