Anti-HCV antibodies are detectable in the gingival crevicular fluid of HCV positive subjects.
OBJECTIVE
To verify the possible of identifying HCV-positive subjects by assaying hepatitis C immunological markers in the gingival crevicular fluid.


METHODS
Ten HCV-EIA-positive subjects and ten HCV-EIA negative subjects were enrolled. One specimen each of blood, saliva and gingival crevicular fluid were collected from each subjects, and anti-HCV antibodies determined using a rapid test described elsewhere.


RESULTS
The test was highly sensitive and specific (100%) on whole blood, but unable to detect anti-HCV antibodies in any specimen on whole saliva; anti-HCV antibodies were detected in about 80% of gingival crevicular fluid specimens from HCV-positive subjects, suggesting that the HCV virus and anti-HCV antibodies may enter the pounth in the gingival crevicular fluid and then spread outside the mouth via the saliva.


CONCLUSIONS
The gingival crevicular fluid could be a valid alternative to blood for detection of HCV-positive subjects; in association with the HCV rapid test this may be a useful procedure for use in routine dental practice.
Dental Clinic University, Bologna. lmonteb@tin.it
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Montebugnoli
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Dolci
D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; D005883:Gingival Crevicular Fluid / Q000276:immunology*; D016174:Hepacivirus / Q000276:immunology; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000175:diagnosis*; D018937:Hepatitis C Antibodies / Q000032:analysis*; D006801:Humans; D015151:Immunoblotting; D012463:Saliva / Q000276:immunology; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity
D018937:Hepatitis C Antibodies