The IgG antibody profile to various antigen regions of hepatitis C virus differs in oral fluid and serum of patients with chronic hepatitis C.
Antibodies to hepatitis C virus (HCV) can be detected not only in serum but also in oral fluid. The aim of the study was to determine IgG antibody reactivity directed to six antigen regions of HCV in oral fluid and to evaluate the significance of the antibody pattern in oral fluid compared to serum. Oral fluid and serum samples of 32 HCV viremic patients were collected to detect antibodies to six antigen regions incorporated as antigen bands into modified commercial updated third generation line immuno-assay. Compared to serum, a significantly lower cumulative antibody response and reactivity to five HCV antigens was found in oral fluid. The significantly highest prevalence of oral fluid reactivity was recorded with antigen C1 (78%), whereas in serum the most significantly frequent reactivity was detected with antigen NS3 (100%). The absence of antibody reactivity with antigen E2 was similar in both body fluids. The discrepancy in antibody pattern to HCV antigens between oral fluid and serum indicates the possible existence of local viral replication, viral mutants, viral inhibitors in oral cavity and, most probably, leakage of the muco-vascular barrier.
Maticic
M
M
Department of Infectious Diseases, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia. mojca@kclj.si
Poljak
M
M
Seme
K
K
Skaleric
U
U
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000937:Antigen-Antibody Reactions; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D005260:Female; D005883:Gingival Crevicular Fluid / Q000276:immunology*; D018937:Hepatitis C Antibodies / Q000032:analysis / Q000097:blood / Q000276:immunology*; D018936:Hepatitis C Antigens / Q000276:immunology*; D019698:Hepatitis C, Chronic / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D007118:Immunoassay / Q000379:methods; D007074:Immunoglobulin G / Q000032:analysis / Q000097:blood / Q000276:immunology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D012367:RNA, Viral / Q000032:analysis; D012463:Saliva / Q000276:immunology*
D018937:Hepatitis C Antibodies; D018936:Hepatitis C Antigens; D007074:Immunoglobulin G; D012367:RNA, Viral