[TT virus infection among Iranian blood donors: its prevalence and relationship to serum alanine aminotransferase [ALT] leve]

TT virus [TTV] is a DNA virus and is proposed as a potential cause of non-A to E hepatitis. We aimed to investigate, for the first time, the prevalence of TTV in Iranian healthy blood donors. Three hundred and twelve healthy Iranian blood donors were randomly selected and tested for TTV DNA by the seminested polymerase chain reaction method. Serum alanine aminotransferase [ALT] levels were determined in those infected and uninfected individuals that adequate serum were available. HBsAg or HCV antibody-positive subjects were excluded. Results: TT virus DNA was detected in 70 [22.4%] of the 312 subjects under study. ALT was elevated in 8 [18.2%] of the 44 TTV positive blood donors and in 8 [10.9%] of the 73 TTV negative blood donors. There was no significant difference between these two groups. TTV viremia is common among Iranian blood donors. Its prevalence in Iran is higher than US [1%] and most West-European countries and is comparable to China [28%] but lower than Thailand [37%] and Italy [42.4%]. Our data do not support the correlation between TTV viremia and elevated ALT level

[Evaluation of hepatitis B transmission risk factors in Tehran blood donors]

Considering high prevalence of hepatitis B virus [HBV] in Iran and need for its prevention, determination of causes and risk factors can help health policy makers in control of disease. All blood donors of Tehran city from April 1997 to March 2000 were studied in a case control design. HBsAg positive donors who were referred to hepatitis consultation office in Tehran blood transfusion center [2447 donors] were compared with 2425 HbsAg negative donors. Demographic factors and high risk behaviors were studied in both groups and in some subjects HBsAg status in donors' mother and spouse was studied. Factors predicting HBV infection included family history of positive HBsAg, history of blood transfusion, male gender, history of hospitalization, history of unsafe sex and living in city area. There was a significant difference among cases and controls regarding HBsAg status in donors' mother and spouse. Because of the role of mothers and other family members in transmission of HBV infection, it is important to consider screening of whole family, pregnant women and whole family vaccination for all HBsAg subjects. Adding notice to blood derivatives screening and safe work in hospitals are important steps in HBV prevention. Neonates, couples and at risk people vaccination is another effective step in HBV prevention