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Salivary sampling for hepatitis B surface antigen carriage: a sensitive technique suitable for epidemiological
T M Chaita1, S M Graham, S M Maxwell
1Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, UK.
Annals of Tropical Paediatrics
|June 1, 1995
Summary
Saliva testing for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) is a viable screening method. This study shows high sensitivity and specificity for detecting HBsAg in saliva, supporting its use in epidemiological surveillance.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Virology
- Public Health
Background:
- Vertical transmission of hepatitis B is a major cause of chronic carriage in children.
- Current immunization strategies focus on preventing mother-to-infant transmission.
- Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection poses long-term health consequences.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the efficacy of using saliva for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) screening.
- To assess the acceptability and feasibility of salivary sampling in a tropical, high-prevalence setting.
- To compare the diagnostic accuracy of HBsAg detection in saliva versus serum.
Main Methods:
- Recruitment of 88 Thai women (44 HBsAg positive, 44 negative) attending antenatal clinics.
- Collection and handling of saliva samples in a tropical environment.
- Detection of HBsAg in saliva and serum using a commercial serological test kit.
Main Results:
- Saliva collection was acceptable to all participants.
- Sensitivity for HBsAg detection in saliva was 92.0% (95% CI 84.8-99.5).
- Specificity for HBsAg detection in saliva was 86.8% (95% CI 76.0-97.6).
Conclusions:
- Salivary sampling is a safe and acceptable method for HBsAg screening.
- The high sensitivity supports the use of saliva for epidemiological surveillance of hepatitis B.
- Non-invasive salivary testing offers advantages for public health initiatives targeting hepatitis B.