[Detection of transfusion transmitted virus in hepatic and extra hepatic tissues using in situ hybridization].

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the location, distribution and significance of transfusion transmitted virus (TTV) in the liver and extra hepatic tissues.

METHODS

A 123 bp fragment of TTV DNA within ORF(2) was amplified by PCR reaction and cloned into PCR2.1 vector. DNA sequencing revealed that the inserted fragment was highly isogenous with Japan ABO11494 strain. The inserted fragment was labeled with digoxigenin. Segment of liver, spleen, kidney, stomach and intestine tissues from 22 patients dead of liver diseases were detected by in situ hybridization with this digoxigenin labeled TTV DNA probe.

RESULTS

TTV DNA was detected in 8 livers, 4 kidneys, 3 spleens, 2 intestines, and 2 stomachs. The positive cells of TTV DNA in livers were higher than that in other tissues. No obvious pathological topographical relationship of tissue inflammatory reaction with positive cells was found.

CONCLUSION

TTV can infect hepatic and ex-hepatic tissues and may cause persistent infection.