Genoprevalence of TT virus among clinical and auxiliary UK dental healthcare workers: a pilot study

BACKGROUND: In 1997 a new human hepatotropic virus, TT virus (TTV), was identified. The clinical significance of TT virus infection remains unclear. OBJECTIVE: To undertake an initial evaluation of the genoprevalence of TTV DNA among health care workers in the United Kingdom. SETTING: A UK dental hospital. STUDY DESIGN: The sera of 53 dental healthcare workers (9 dentists, 14 dental nurses and 30 office staff) were tested for the presence of TTV DNA using Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). RESULTS: TT virus DNA was detected in 3 out of 53 (5.7%) samples. This frequency of TTV carriage is similar to that of blood donors and healthy persons in the UK. CONCLUSION: The present data suggest that dental healthcare workers in the UK are not at increased risk of nosocomial acquisition of TT virus.