Layla Fouad Ali
Department of Biology, College of Science, University of Baghdad, Baghdad, Iraq
ABSTRACT
Background: The management of liver disorders, many of which are attributed to Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) infection, has been complicated by co-infections such as Torque Teno Virus (TTV). This study explores the impact of HCV and TTV co-infection, focusing on TTV's genetic variability in the ORF1 gene and its implications for disease progression and treatment outcomes. Methods: This study analyzed blood and serum samples from sixty individuals across two medical institutions. HCV viral loads were quantified using real-time PCR, while TTV genetic diversity was evaluated through sequencing of the ORF1 gene. Results: No significant correlations were found between age or gender and the presence of TTV or HCV. A minor negative association was observed between TTV positivity and chronic renal disease. Notably, HCV viral loads varied across the study cohort. Sequencing of TTV ORF1 revealed high genetic similarity with specific mutations, suggesting possible viral adaptations. These findings highlight the complex interaction between HCV and TTV in co-infected patients and underscore the potential influence of TTV ORF1 genetic variability on the clinical management of HCV. Conclusion: The genetic diversity observed in TTV ORF1 and its interaction with HCV underscores the need for comprehensive diagnostic strategies that consider co-infection dynamics in liver disease management. Future research should focus on expanding sample sizes and diversifying participant demographics to better understand the clinical implications of TTV ORF1 variability and inform more effective treatment protocols for HCV.
Keywords: Hepatitis C Virus, Torque Teno Virus, Viral Load, Genetic Variability, Coinfection Dynamics.
