A non-invasive assessment of hepatitis B virus carrier status using saliva samples

Southeast Asian J Trop Med Public Health. 1996 Mar;27(1):80-4.

Abstract

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.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Carrier State / epidemiology*
  • Carrier State / immunology
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Female
  • Hepatitis B / epidemiology*
  • Hepatitis B / immunology
  • Hepatitis B / transmission
  • Hepatitis B Surface Antigens / metabolism*
  • Hepatitis B e Antigens / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Incidence
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Mass Screening*
  • Philippines / epidemiology
  • Pregnancy
  • Saliva / immunology*
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Seroepidemiologic Studies

Substances

  • Hepatitis B Surface Antigens
  • Hepatitis B e Antigens