A non-invasive assessment of hepatitis B virus carrier status using saliva samples.
A non-invasive testing method to determine hepatitis B virus (HBV) carrier status in pregnant women was evaluated. Paired serum and saliva samples were collected and assessment of hepatitis B markers were performed. Of the 502 women enrolled, 5.6% (28/502) of their sera were found to be positive for HBV surface antigen (HBsAg). Assessment of 28 HBsAg seroreactive and 200 HBsAg sero-non-reactive paired saliva samples showed that 17 saliva contained HBsAg. Fourteen of the saliva reactive samples were matched to the serum reactive samples (50% sensitivity); and 3 saliva samples were positive for HBsAg among 200 subjects seronegative for HBsAg (98.5% specificity). Seven of the 28 HBsAg positive sera were found to be reactive for HBV envelope antigen (HBeAg) (25%). One of seven HBeAg seroreactive and 16 HBeAg seronegative paired saliva samples tested were non-reactive for HBeAg. This report found a non-invasive saliva testing method to be a possible alternative approach for determining chronic HBV carrier status if the sensitivity of the test can be improved.
Richards
A L
AL
Department of Immunology, Naval Medical Research Unit No. 2, Jakarta, Indonesia.
Perrault
J G
JG
Caringal
L T
LT
Manaloto
C R
CR
Sie
A
A
Graham
R
R
Ramos
R M
RM
Leonardo
J B
JB
Hyams
K C
KC
D002353:Carrier State / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000276:immunology; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006509:Hepatitis B / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000276:immunology / Q000635:transmission; D006514:Hepatitis B Surface Antigens / Q000378:metabolism*; D006513:Hepatitis B e Antigens / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008403:Mass Screening; D010679:Philippines / Q000453:epidemiology; D011247:Pregnancy; D012463:Saliva / Q000276:immunology*; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D016036:Seroepidemiologic Studies
D006514:Hepatitis B Surface Antigens; D006513:Hepatitis B e Antigens