title: Presence of hepatitis B antigen in the saliva of viral hepatitis patients.
abstract: The presence of hepatitis B antigen (HBsAg) in the saliva of 14 (43.7%) out of 32 patients with viral hepatitis (VH) and antigenemia was revealed by discontinuous counter-immunoelectrophoresis. HBsAg was found in the saliva of both children and adults, more frequently during the first weeks after the onset of illness. The findings point out the possibility of non-parenteral VH transmission (kissing, sneezing, dishes, toys, etc.).
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D006506:Hepatitis A / Q000635:transmission; D006509:Hepatitis B / Q000635:transmission; D006511:Hepatitis B Antigens / Q000032:analysis; D006801:Humans; D012463:Saliva / Q000276:immunology*
chemical_list: D006511:Hepatitis B Antigens