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Saliva-based HIV-antibody testing in Thailand
R R Frerichs1, N Silarug, N Eskes
1Department of Epidemiology, UCLA 90024-1772.
AIDS (London, England)
|July 1, 1994
Summary
Saliva testing is a viable alternative to serum for HIV antibody detection in surveillance programs. This study confirms saliva
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Immunology
- Public Health Surveillance
Background:
- Serum has been the standard for HIV antibody testing.
- Sentinel surveillance programs require efficient and reliable testing methods.
- Alternative sample types can improve accessibility and reduce costs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate saliva as an alternative to serum for HIV antibody testing.
- To assess the performance of the GACELISA in saliva samples within a surveillance program.
- To determine the feasibility of using saliva for HIV screening and surveillance in Thailand.
Main Methods:
- Collected paired serum and saliva specimens from 1955 individuals in Thailand.
- Utilized the immunoglobulin G antibody-capture enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (GACELISA) for saliva analysis.
- Employed ELISA and Western blot as the gold standard for serum testing, with blind linkage.
Main Results:
- Saliva testing demonstrated high sensitivity (up to 100%) and specificity (up to 100%) for HIV antibodies.
- Performance metrics were consistent across field, corrected, and quality assurance samples.
- The GACELISA showed excellent accuracy in detecting HIV antibodies in saliva.
Conclusions:
- Saliva is a comparable and effective alternative to serum for HIV antibody testing.
- The findings support the use of saliva in HIV surveillance and screening programs.
- This approach can enhance the efficiency and accessibility of HIV testing initiatives.