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 groups, including apparently healthy individuals, were reported for several countries. Objectives, study design: In order to investigate whether or not non-parenteral transmission routes can contribute to TTV spread, we have tested saliva, urine, and stool samples from eight TT viraemic individuals for the presence 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 saliva were close to those found in serum. In feces, TTV DNA could only be detected in low concentrations. Conclusions: Our findings on the presence of TTV DNA in saliva and stool suggest that TTV might be transmitted non-parenterally. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.