AIMS: To verify the possible of identifying HCV-positive subjects by assaying hepatitis C immunological markers in the gingival crevicular fluid. METHODS: Ten HCV-EIA-positive subjects and ten HCV-EIA negative subjects were enrolled. One specimen each of blood, saliva and gingival crevicular fluid were collected from each subjects, and anti-HCV antibodies determined using a rapid test described elsewhere. RESULTS: The test was highly sensitive and specific (100%) on whole blood, but unable to detect anti-HCV antibodies in any specimen on whole saliva; anti-HCV antibodies were detected in about 80% of gingival crevicular fluid specimens from HCV-positive subjects, suggesting that the HCV virus and anti-HCV antibodies may enter the pounth in the gingival crevicular fluid and then spread outside the mouth via the saliva. CONCLUSIONS: The gingival crevicular fluid could be a valid alternative to blood for detection of HCV-positive subjects; in association with the HCV rapid test this may be a useful procedure for use in routine dental practice.
AIMS: To verify the possible of identifying HCV-positive subjects by assaying hepatitis C immunological markers in the gingival crevicular fluid. METHODS: Ten HCV-EIA-positive subjects and ten HCV-EIA negative subjects were enrolled. One specimen each of blood, saliva and gingival crevicular fluid were collected from each subjects, and anti-HCV antibodies determined using a rapid test described elsewhere. RESULTS: The test was highly sensitive and specific (100%) on whole blood, but unable to detect anti-HCV antibodies in any specimen on whole saliva; anti-HCV antibodies were detected in about 80% of gingival crevicular fluid specimens from HCV-positive subjects, suggesting that the HCV virus and anti-HCV antibodies may enter the pounth in the gingival crevicular fluid and then spread outside the mouth via the saliva. CONCLUSIONS: The gingival crevicular fluid could be a valid alternative to blood for detection of HCV-positive subjects; in association with the HCV rapid test this may be a useful procedure for use in routine dental practice.
Authors: Dorin Nicolae Gheorghe; Liliana Foia; Vasilica Toma; Amelia Surdu; Elena Herascu; Dora Maria Popescu; Petra Surlin; Cristin Constantin Vere; Ion Rogoveanu Journal: J Immunol Res Date: 2018-03-13 Impact factor: 4.818