Optimization of a real time PCR methodology for HCV RNA quantification in saliva samples

Exposure to Biological Fluids in Dental Practice—Narrative Review on Appropriate Risk Assessment to Guide Post-Exposure Management

“…The viral load for each different virus is much lower in saliva; for instance, only 68% of saliva specimens from patients with chronic HBV infection tested positive for HBV-DNA [ 21 ], and 7.2 log 10 lower levels of HBV-DNA were reported in saliva compared to plasma in children with an HBeAg-positive chronic infection [ 22 ], while undetectable HBV-DNA was seen in saliva from children with an HBeAg-negative infection [ 22 ]. For HCV, 2.5 log 10 lower HCV-RNA levels were reported in saliva compared to blood [ 23 ]. Among patients with HIV infection, only 29% of saliva samples were positive for HIV-RNA [ 24 ], and the levels of HIV-RNA in saliva were reported as 10% of plasma viral load levels [ 25 ], and most studies were performed in the pre-universal-ART era when a large proportion of the patients assessed were not on antiretroviral treatment.…”