HBV, HCV, and TTV detection by in situ polymerase chain reaction could reveal occult infection in hepatocellular carcinoma: comparison with blood markers.
OBJECTIVE
To report a retrospective analysis on the presence of hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and transfusion transmitted virus (TTV) sequences in formalin fixed, paraffin embedded liver biopsies from eight patients with hepatocellular carcinoma, in comparison with blood markers.


METHODS
A direct in situ polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique was developed for the detection and localisation of genomic signals in the liver tissue. Conventional serological and molecular methods were used for blood evaluation.


RESULTS
In situ PCR showed the presence of one of the three viruses (four HCV, two HBV, and one TTV) in seven of the eight patients. In addition, a co-infection with HBV and HCV was detected in one patient. HCV and HBV sequences were located in the cytoplasm and the nucleus, respectively. When compared with blood markers, these findings were compatible with one occult HBV and two occult HCV infections.


CONCLUSIONS
These findings provide further evidence for occult HBV and HCV infections in cancerous tissues from patients with hepatocellular carcinomas. In situ PCR could be an additional tool for evaluating the viral aetiology of hepatocellular carcinoma alongside conventional diagnostic procedures.
Department of Public Medicine Sciences, UCO Hygiene and Preventive Medicine, University of Trieste and IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, Italy.
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D000328:Adult; D000914:Antibodies, Viral / Q000097:blood; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood; D006528:Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / Q000276:immunology / Q000821:virology*; D004279:DNA, Viral / Q000032:analysis*; D005260:Female; D016174:Hepacivirus / Q000235:genetics*; D006505:Hepatitis / Q000821:virology; D006515:Hepatitis B virus / Q000235:genetics*; D006801:Humans; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000276:immunology / Q000821:virology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction / Q000379:methods; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D022783:Torque teno virus / Q000235:genetics*
D000914:Antibodies, Viral; D015415:Biomarkers; D004279:DNA, Viral