Prevalence and genotypes of hepatitis G virus/GB virus C in a multirisk group in Hungary

HGV/GBV-C is a mainly parenterally transmitted Flavivirus that causes a persistent infection. So far no disease has been associated with HGV/GBV-C infection, but its beneficial role in co-infection with the human immunodeficiency virus has been shown in many recent studies. The aim of our study was to determine the frequency of ongoing HGV/GBV-C infections among a sociologically unique group of the Hungarian population, who are at great risk for parenterally transmitted diseases. Viral RNA was detected in 75 serum samples by an RT-PCR method specific for the NS5 region. Nine (12%) samples were positive for HGV/GBV-C RNA. All nine PCR products were sequenced and a phylogenetic analysis was performed to identify the genotypes and subtypes of the detected viruses. All nine isolates proved to be genotype 2, eight of them were classified as subtype 2a, and one as subtype 2b

Detection and Phylogenetic Analysis of Torque Teno Virus in Salivary and Tumor Biopsy Samples from Head and Neck Carcinoma Patients

Objectives: Because torque teno virus (TTV) has been implicated in tumorigenesis as a cocarcinogen, we studied TTV prevalence in saliva and biopsy samples from head and neck cancer (HNCC) patients, patients with premalignant lesions of oral cancer, and controls. We also wished to determine the TTV genotypes in HNCC patients. Methods: A seminested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplifying the N22 region of the TTV genome, as well as direct sequencing of PCR fragments, was used. Results: TTV prevalence was higher in HNCC patients (saliva: 27/71, 38%; tumor biopsy: 22/74, 30%) than in controls (saliva: 8/56, 14%; oral mucosa: 1/19, 5%). TTV prevalence was also high in patients with premalignant lesions of oral carcinoma (saliva: 9/18, 50%; biopsy: 5/21, 24%). By phylogenetic analysis, TTV belonging mostly to genotypes 1 and 2 was found in HNCC patients. In most of the cases, identical TTV strains were present in the biopsy and salivary sample of the same HNCC patient. In addition, the same TTV strain was detected in 2 laryngeal carcinoma biopsies obtained from 2 independent patients. Conclusions: Our data are compatible with the idea that TTV might act as a cocarcinogen in certain cases of HNCC. Alternatively, HNCC may facilitate either TTV replication or TTV entry into the saliva. © 2016 S. Karger AG, Base

Phylogenetic analysis of a nosocomial transmission of hepatitis B virus at a paediatric haematology ward

A nosocomial Hepatitis B virus (HBV) outbreak at a paediatric onco-haematology unit was investigated using molecular biological methods to determine the origin of the infections. The National Reference Laboratory of Hepatitis Viruses received seven HBsAg positive sera from patients and one from the brother of a patient. A fragment of the preS1/preS2/S genes from all samples was amplified, the PCR products were sequenced and a rooted phylogenetic tree was constructed. All nucleotide sequences from the different patients were very similar and 6 of the 8 sequences were identical, suggesting a common origin of the infections. These sequences were closely related to those amplified from a nosocomial HBV epidemic in another hospital in Hungary. The on-scene investigation revealed several malpractices. The two hospital departments had close connections and some of the patients were treated in both institutions. Present report underlines the importance of developing screening protocols for hepatitis viruses and that of the introduction of regular training programs for health care professionals in the field of hospital hygiene

First description of swine torque teno virus (TTV) and detection of a new genogroup in Hungary: Short communication

Torque teno virus (TTV) belongs to the floating genus of Anellovirus . It was discovered in a human patient, and later it was also found in animals including pigs. The aim of this study was to investigate the presence and estimate the prevalence of swine TTV in Hungarian pig herds for the first time, and to characterise the viruses found. Serum samples of 82 adult swine from 13 piggeries and 44 weaned pigs from one large herd were tested by PCR for the presence of TTV DNA. Viral DNA was found in 30% of the adult swine and 73% of the weaned pigs tested. Liver and intestine of weaned pigs were also tested and found to be infected at a lower rate. The TTV sequences found in sera and intestines were similar and could be clustered as swine genogroup 1. However, the sequences derived from one liver were remarkably different from all other known genogroups and seemed to represent a new genogroup

Prevalence and genotypes of human papillomavirus in saliva and tumor samples of head and neck cancer patients in Hungary

Abstract In addition to traditional risk factors such as smoking, alcohol consumption and betel nut use, human papillomavirus (HPV) infection also plays a role in the development of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs). Although among European countries the highest incidence and mortality rates of head and neck cancer types were recorded in Hungary, data regarding HPV prevalence in HNSCCs is scarce. We collected biopsy and saliva samples from patients diagnosed with HNSCC or oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs) and tested them for the presence of HPV using the PCR consensus primer set MY09/11 and the GP5+/6+ primer pair. HPV genotypes were assessed by sequencing of the amplified PCR fragments. Oral mucosa and saliva samples from tumor- and OPMD-free individuals were also analysed. HPV was detected in 11 out of 60 HNSCC samples (18%). All of the HPV positive tumors carried HPV type 16. 5 out of the 57 saliva samples collected from HNSCC patients was HPV positive (8.8%); among them, in addition to HPV16, HPV13 was also detected. Tumors located to the oropharynx had the highest HPV positivity rate with 50% (7 out of 14), which was significantly higher than the HPV prevalence in oral mucosa samples collected from controls (0 out of 20; p > 0.001) or in OPMD biopsies (0 out of 21, p > 0.001). 2 out of 57 control saliva samples (3.5%, subtype HPV13 and 11) and 3 out of 39 saliva samples from OPMD patients (7.7%, subtype HPV18, 81 and 10) were HPV positive. Our data suggested that HPV16 infection may contribute, in concert with cigarette smoking, to the development of a subset of head and neck cancers in Hungary. HPV16 infection per se does not account, however, for the high HNSCC incidence rate recorded in this country