HIV infection and the dentist. 1. The presence of HIV in saliva and its implications to dental practice.
The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) has been detected in all body fluids. The presence and the detection of HIV virus in human saliva are reviewed. Modes of HIV transmission are discussed with particular reference to the possibility and risk of virus transmission via saliva. This risk is considered to be extremely low. The relevance of this information to the practising dentist is discussed and some practical suggestions in infection control are made.
Serb
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Department of Preventive Dentistry, University of Sydney.
Yeung
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D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000635:transmission; D003815:Dentists; D006678:HIV / Q000302:isolation & purification* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000635:transmission*; D006801:Humans; D017053:Infection Control; D017758:Infectious Disease Transmission, Patient-to-Professional; D012463:Saliva / Q000382:microbiology*