Distribution of Transfusion-transmitted Virus Genomic Groups in Blood Products

Chung, Ju Young; Seong, Hee Kyung; Han, Tae Hee

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Transfusion-transmitted virus (TTV) is a small DNA virus with single-stranded, closed circular, antisense genome infecting humans. The TTV has been classified into five major genomic groups 1-5. There have been a few studies on TTV prevalence in blood donors and blood products in Korea. However there have been no reports on the TTV genomic groups in Korea. The aim of this study was to gain information on TTV genomic groups in blood products in Korea. METHODS: A total of 50 plasma samples from blood products (25 units each of red blood cell and whole blood) were tested. The samples are obtained from the segments of the blood products. TTV DNA was detected using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with two sets of universal primers (A set and B set), and TTV genomic groups were determined using PCR with group specific primer sets. RESULTS: TTV DNA was detected in 96% (48/50) of the blood products: the TTV genomic group 3 was found the most frequently (52%, 26/50), followed by group 4 (46%, 23/50), group 1 (20%, 10/50), group 5 (10%, 5/20), and group 2 (2%, 1/50). There were seven blood products (14%) infected with TTVs but their genomic groups were not identified with group specific primer sets. Among the blood products, 44% (22/50) were infected with a unique TTV genomic group; 38% (19/50) were coinfected with TTV from 2 (28%, 14/50) or 3 (10%, 5/50) genomic groups. CONCLUSIONS: Blood products are frequently infected with TTV and all five known genomic groups are detected in Korea.