1. Comparison of saliva and serum for human immunodeficiency virus type 1 antibody testing in Uganda using a rapid recombinant assay.
- Author
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Grant RM, Piwowar EM, Katongole-Mbidde E, Muzawalu W, Rugera S, Abima J, Stramer SL, Kataaha P, and Jackson B
- Subjects
- Adult, Female, HIV Infections transmission, Humans, Male, Predictive Value of Tests, Sensitivity and Specificity, Uganda epidemiology, beta 2-Microglobulin immunology, HIV Antibodies blood, HIV Infections immunology, HIV-1 immunology, Reagent Kits, Diagnostic standards, Saliva immunology, Saliva virology
- Abstract
The accuracy and acceptability of saliva human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) antibody testing were compared with serum testing in a study of paired specimens from HIV-1-seropositive and HIV-1-seronegative Ugandan adults attending a clinic for sexually transmitted diseases. Saliva collection was performed with the Omni-sal device (Saliva Diagnostic Systems, Vancouver, Wash.), and antibody testing was performed by a rapid filter paper assay (Test-Pack; Abbott Laboratories, Abbott Park, Ill.). Relative to serum testing, the sensitivity of saliva testing was 95% (195 of 205) and the specificity was 99% (295 of 297). The sensitivity of saliva testing was higher for patients with elevated levels of beta-2 microglobulin in sera and greater numbers of HIV-1-related symptoms. Pre- and poststudy interviews indicated that saliva testing did not foster inordinate fears of saliva exposure. The development of saliva tests that are inexpensive and do not require electricity is needed.
- Published
- 1996
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