Prevalence Of Anelloviruses (TTV, TTMV And TTMDV) In Healthy Blood Donors And In Individuals Infected With HCV In Pakistan.

Abstract

Background

Anelloviruses (TTV, TTMV and TTMDV) have been linked to the liver condition specifically associated with non-A-G hepatitis. The aim of the current investigation was to evaluate the infection rate of these viruses in Pakistan.

Methodology

A total of 1050 serum samples (550 healthy blood donors and 500 HCV-positive individuals) from Pakistani population with diverse ages were assessed for the detection of TTV, TTMV and TTMDV genomic DNA through nested PCR amplification.

Results

The incidence rates of TTV, TTMV and TTMDV were high in the investigated groups, and significantly high in HCV positive group specifically for TTV and TTMV infection. The prevalence of coinfection of any of the three viruses was more prevalent and was significantly higher for TTV/TTMV at 62.47% in HCV and 57.7% in healthy blood donors (p<0.05), as compared to TTMV/TTMDV in 24.47% in HCV and 25.33% in healthy blood donors, while TTV/TTMDV in both groups were present but less significant. Furthermore, there was significant association between TTV, and age groups were revealed as compared to TTMV and TTMDV as compared to previous studies in Pakistan.

Conclusion

This was the first study to evaluate the prevalence of Anelloviruses infection in south Asia. A significant higher prevalence rate of Anelloviruses infection in overall investigated groups was examined. Moreover, future investigations are mandatory to investigate and evaluate various genotypes of these viruses in the region.