The effect of torque teno virus (TTV) infection on clinical outcomes, genomic integrity, and mortality in COPD patients

Introduction

Torque Teno Virus (TTV), an "orphan" virus with unclear pathology, has been associated with various diseases and immune dysfunctions. This study investigates the link between TTV viremia and clinical markers in patients with severe to very severe COPD undergoing respiratory rehabilitation.

Methods

We analyzed 102 elderly COPD patients, stratified by TTV viremia levels (< or ≥ 4 log10 copies/mL). Clinical markers—including mortality, inflammatory-oxidative parameters (Lymphocyte/Monocyte, Neutrophil/Lymphocyte, and Platelet/Lymphocyte ratios), IL-6 (measured via ELISA assay), and DNA damage (assessed via comet assay)—were evaluated.

Results

Of the patients, 62.75 % had TTV viremia levels > 4 log₁₀ copies/mL. No associations were found between TTV levels and sex or obesity. However, higher TTV viremia correlated with increased DNA damage and significantly lower 5-year survival probability.

Conclusion

Patients with TTV levels ≥ 4 log₁₀ copies/mL exhibited the lowest survival probability, though DNA damage emerged as a stronger determinant of outcomes. This study raises key scientific questions on the role of TTV in COPD. Specifically, it explores whether TTV may serve as a potential marker for poor prognosis in COPD and whether rehabilitation strategies for these patients could be customized based on DNA damage and/or viremia.