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 group s, including apparently healthy individuals, were reported for several coun tries. Objectives, study design: In order to investigate whether or not non-parent eral transmission routes can contribute to TTV spread, we have tested saliv a, urine, and stool samples from eight TT viraemic individuals for the pres ence 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 sal iva were close to those found in serum. In feces, TTV DNA could only be det ected in low concentrations. Conclusions: Our findings on the presence of TTV DNA in saliva and stool su ggest that TTV might be transmitted non-parenterally. (C) 1999 Elsevier Sci ence B.V. All rights reserved.