Lack of transmission of TT virus through immunoglobulins

BACKGROUND: A high prevalence of TT virus (TTV) infection has been found in patients who received blood or blood components. Viral DNA was demonstrated in commercial preparations of FVIII and F IX, but very few data have been reported on immunoglobulins. The risk of TTV infection associated with intramuscular or IV immunoglobulin administration is unclear. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: The prevalence of TTV infection in a group of patients undergoing lifelong therapy because of congenital immunodeficiency has been evaluated in a long term follow-up (median, 6 years). Seventeen patients with congenital immunodeficiency receiving monthly administration of IVIG were included in the study. TTV DNA was repeatedly evaluated by PCR in serum samples from each patient during the follow-up. Research of antibodies against TTV was not applicable, as the patients studied were unable to produce antibodies. The presence of TTV was also evaluated in 15 IVIG lots. RESULTS: The total amount of immunoglobulin administered was 18,773 g. TTV infection was not found in any patients included in the study. None of the 15 immunoglobulin preparations analyzed was found positive for TTV DNA. CONCLUSION: Despite the high prevalence of TTV in blood donors, commercial immunoglobulins are safe and unable to transmit TTV.