Prevalence of Transfusion Transmitted Virus (TTV) Infection in Injection Drug Users and Hemodialysis Patients Compare to Healthy Blood Donors Using RT-PCR Method in Isfahan, Iran

The relationship between hepatic disorders and Transfusion transmitted virus (TTV) and the significance of parenteral transmission of TTV are controversial. The aim of this study was to compare the prevalence of TTV in injection drug users (IDUs), hemodialysis patients, and healthy blood donors, in Isfahan, Iran, at the year of 2010. In a case-control study, 108 subjects included 36 hemodialysis patients, 36 IDUs, and 36 healthy blood donors (as control group) were studied. Five-mL blood sample was taken from each subject on EDTA-containing tubes. Then DNA extraction was implemented using DNA extraction kit, and DNA reproduction was done using specific primers and probe by Rotor-Gene 6000 real-time PCR instrument. The mean of age in subjects was 38.7 ± 14.7 and 71 (66%) were male. Of 108 cases, 30 (27.8%) were TTV positive and 78 (72.2%) were TTV negative. The prevalence of TTV in IDUs 21 (58%) and hemodialysis patients 6 (17%) was higher than healthy blood donors 3 (8%) that was statistically significant (P < 0.0001). The prevalence of TTV in IDUs and hemodialysis patients is significantly higher than the general population in Isfahan, Iran. It seems necessary to make plans and policies to reduce the risk of TTV transmission to families of hemodialysis patient and IDUs, individuals who have close contact with them and health care workers.