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Updated: Aug 27, 2026

The α-test: Rapid Cell-free CD4 Enumeration Using Whole Saliva
Published on: May 16, 2012
Salivary gland involvement in HIV-1 infection
1National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Dental Research, Bethesda, MD 20892.
Abstract:
After infection with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-1, virus can be recovered from both whole saliva (the total fluid contents of the mouth) and individual major salivary gland secretions. The concentration of virus is low, and recovery is infrequent. Antibodies (primarily of the IgA class) to HIV-1 are found in saliva. Despite the presence of virus, the oral cavity does not appear to be a route of transmission for HIV-1. This may relate to protective properties of saliva. It has been reported that whole saliva and mixed submandibular/sublingual secretions inhibit the infectivity of the virus in vitro. HIV infection also induces alterations in salivary gland function. Both salivary output and composition may be affected.
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