Detection of TT virus DNA in specimens other than blood.
BACKGROUND
Recently, a new infective agent of humans, TT virus (TTV), was identified. Very high prevalence rates of TTV in different population groups, including apparently healthy individuals, were reported for several countries. OBJECTIVES, STUDY DESIGN: In order to investigate whether or not non-parenteral transmission routes can contribute to TTV spread, we have tested saliva, urine, and stool samples from eight TT viraemic individuals for the presence of TTV DNA by polymerase chain reaction.


RESULTS
TTT DNA was detected in saliva of five subjects and stools of four patients. None of the urine samples contained TTV DNA. Viral titres in saliva were close to those found in serum. In feces, TTV DNA could only be detected in low concentrations.


CONCLUSIONS
Our findings on the presence of TTV DNA in saliva and stool suggest that TTV might be transmitted non-parenterally.
Ross
R S
RS
Institute of Virology, National Reference Centre for Hepatitis C, Essen University Hospital, Germany. stefan.ross@uni-essen.de
Viazov
S
S
Runde
V
V
Schaefer
U W
UW
Roggendorf
M
M
D004266:DNA Virus Infections / Q000635:transmission* / Q000821:virology; D004267:DNA Viruses / Q000235:genetics / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D004279:DNA, Viral / Q000032:analysis* / Q000097:blood / Q000652:urine; D005243:Feces / Q000821:virology*; D006801:Humans; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D012463:Saliva / Q000821:virology*; D014766:Viremia / Q000821:virology
D004279:DNA, Viral