ABSTRACT

In this study the incidence of TTV (torque teno virus) was investigated on patients with hepatitis B and C in whom persistent virological response was achieved or not. Furthermore, the issue of whether or not TTV affects the treatment was assessed.

A total of 68 patients who were monitored between 1998-2007 with the diagnosis of chronic hepatitis B or C in hepatology policlinic were included into this study. For detection of TTV polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method was used. The patients were evaluated in terms of previous dental treatment, surgical operations, blood transfusion which were possible routes of contamination with TTV.

Whereas in 23.5 % of chronic hepatitis B patients TTV DNA was positive, positivity rate was found as 44.1 % in patients with hepatitis C. There is no statistically significant difference between the groups with regard to persistent virological response to treatment (p<0.05).

The incidence of TTV in chronic hepatitis B or C is not statistically associated with dental treatment, blood transfusion and response to treatment.