Detection of a novel DNA virus (TTV) sequence in peripheral blood mononuclear cells

DNA sequences of a novel DNA virus (TTV) were examined in 81 peripheral blo od mononuclear cell (PBMC) DNA samples from 48 children and 33 adults, 22 c ord blood mononuclear cells (CBMC) DNA samples, and 7 autopsy liver tissue DNA samples by a hemi-nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The PCR was c arried out using the published primers (NG059, NG061, NG063) to amplify TTV DNA sequences. The sequences were detected in 4 of 81 (5%) PBMC DNA sample s, in none of 22 (0%) CBMC DNA samples, and in 2 of 7 (29%) liver tissue DN A samples by direct gel analysis. The PCR-amplified products were confirmed by direct sequencing. The sequencing showed considerable diversities, with differences of 0-55% in 6 TTV isolates, compared with the prototype sequen ce of TTV. These results suggest that TTV is a ubiquitous virus that produc es asymptomatic infection in a large proportion of the general population w ithout transfusion of blood-derived products. To our knowledge, this is the first report describing the detection of TTV DNA sequences in PBMCs. J. Me d. Virol. 58:174-177, 1999. (C) 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc.