Prevalence of Transfusion Transmitted Virus (TTV) among hepatocellular carcinoma patients in Sudan

Background: Torque Teno Virus (TTV) is a newly discovered non- enveloped, single stranded DNA virus of high genotypic variability, detected frequently in patients with acute or chronic hepatitis of non-A-G types. Objectives: This study was carried out to look for the presence of TTV among positive hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients in Khartoum State, Sudan using polymerase chain patients. (PCR) technique and to evaluateits effect on severity of the disease in these patients. Patients and Methods: The study was conducted in 45 patients with HCC recruited at Aliaa specialist hospital in Khartoum state, The presence of TTVDNA was assessed by polymerase chain reaction with TTV-specific primers. Results: DNA of TTV was detected in 4 out of 45 (8.9%) patients with HCC, no detrimental effect of TTV co- infection in viral hepatitis patients was noted. Conclusion: The rate of TTV infection rate among Sudanese HCC patients seem to be lower than that stated in previous reports from other countries. The virus does not seem to aggravate the status of those who are suffering from HCC.