Comparison of saliva and serum for human immunodeficiency virus type 1 antibody testing in Uganda using a rapid recombinant assay.
The accuracy and acceptability of saliva human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) antibody testing were compared with serum testing in a study of paired specimens from HIV-1-seropositive and HIV-1-seronegative Ugandan adults attending a clinic for sexually transmitted diseases. Saliva collection was performed with the Omni-sal device (Saliva Diagnostic Systems, Vancouver, Wash.), and antibody testing was performed by a rapid filter paper assay (Test-Pack; Abbott Laboratories, Abbott Park, Ill.). Relative to serum testing, the sensitivity of saliva testing was 95% (195 of 205) and the specificity was 99% (295 of 297). The sensitivity of saliva testing was higher for patients with elevated levels of beta-2 microglobulin in sera and greater numbers of HIV-1-related symptoms. Pre- and poststudy interviews indicated that saliva testing did not foster inordinate fears of saliva exposure. The development of saliva tests that are inexpensive and do not require electricity is needed.
University of California, San Francisco, USA. rgrant@hsa.uscf.edu
R M
RM
Grant
E M
EM
Piwowar
E
E
Katongole-Mbidde
W
W
Muzawalu
S
S
Rugera
J
J
Abima
S L
SL
Stramer
P
P
Kataaha
B
B
Jackson
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D015483:HIV Antibodies / Q000097:blood*; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000276:immunology* / Q000635:transmission; D015497:HIV-1 / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011933:Reagent Kits, Diagnostic / Q000592:standards*; D012463:Saliva / Q000276:immunology* / Q000821:virology*; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D014454:Uganda / Q000453:epidemiology; D001613:beta 2-Microglobulin / Q000276:immunology
D015483:HIV Antibodies; D011933:Reagent Kits, Diagnostic; D001613:beta 2-Microglobulin