Hepatitis B surface antigen in saliva of HB-SAg carriers.
Two hundred and twelve saliva specimens of HB-SAg carriers were tested for HB-SAg by crossover immunoelectrophoresis (CIEP) and radioimmunoassay (RIA) after concentration, between April 1971 and September 1973. They were divided into 3 groups (A, B, and C). CIEP detected HG-SAg in 6 per cent in Group A (66 specimens) and in 12 percent in Group B (87 specimens), and in 78 per cent in Group C. Different methods of preparation and concentration of saliva specimens were discussed. The positive results by RIA were confirmed by a blocking test with rabbit HB-SAg antiserum. Intermittent presence of HB-SAg in repeated saliva specimens from individual carriers was found. Infected saliva of HB-SAg carriers may be of importance in transmission of hepatitis B infection.
D000818:Animals; D000906:Antibodies / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D000937:Antigen-Antibody Reactions; D002353:Carrier State; D002417:Cattle; D003168:Complement Fixation Tests; D006505:Hepatitis / Q000276:immunology*; D006510:Hepatitis B Antibodies / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D006511:Hepatitis B Antigens / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D006801:Humans; D007106:Immune Sera; D007122:Immunoelectrophoresis; D011817:Rabbits; D011863:Radioimmunoassay; D012463:Saliva / Q000276:immunology*
D000906:Antibodies; D006510:Hepatitis B Antibodies; D006511:Hepatitis B Antigens; D007106:Immune Sera