TT viruses, also known as Torque teno viruses, are a group of small, nonenveloped viruses that belong to the Anelloviridae family. They were first discovered in 1997 and are classified within the genus Alphatorquevirus. TT viruses are named after the initials of the patient in whom they were originally detected.
TT viruses are widespread in the human population and have been found in various bodily fluids, such as blood, saliva, urine, and semen. These viruses have a circular, single-stranded DNA genome, which is relatively small compared to other viruses. They are considered to be highly genetically diverse, with multiple genotypes and subtypes identified.
Although TT viruses are generally considered to be harmless and nonpathogenic, they have been associated with several diseases and conditions. Studies have suggested a potential link between TT viruses and liver diseases, such as acute and chronic hepatitis, as well as liver cirrhosis. However, the causal relationship between TT viruses and these diseases remains unclear, and further research is needed to fully understand their impact on human health.
TT viruses are typically transmitted through close contact with infected individuals, including blood transfusions and organ transplantation. They are not eradicated by conventional viral clearance techniques and can persist in the body for extended periods. The significance of TT viruses in the context of human disease and their potential as diagnostic markers or therapeutic targets are areas of ongoing investigation.
