Transfusional transmitted virus seroprevalence in asymptomatic HBsAg (+) hepatitis B carriers.

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the transfusional transmitted virus (TTV) seroprevalence in asymptomatic HBsAg (+) patients and to assess the influence of TTV on the course of these patients. Methods: Sixty asymptomatic HBV carriers were included and 31 healthy volunteers served as controls. Cases were followed at 6‐month intervals for a total duration of 4 years. Results: In the asymptomatic carrier group, 31 patients (51.7%) had a history of surgery and 10 (16.7%) had a history of blood transfusions. TTV‐DNA was detected in 45 of these patients (75%). In the control group, 12 patients (38.7%) had a history of surgery and 2 had (6.5%) a history of blood transfusions. TTV‐DNA was found in 20 (64.5%) of these subjects. The incidence of TTV‐DNA positivity was not significantly different between the two groups (P > 0.05). Conclusion: In spite of the common occurrence of HBV and TTV, TTV‐DNA was also detected in 64.5% of healthy controls. Furthermore, during 4 years of follow up, TTV had no ...