HIV cells found in saliva

Article Abstract:

Studies performed at the National Institute of Dental Research show that cells infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the agent associated with AIDS, are present in the saliva of virtually all individuals with positive blood tests for the infection. Although HIV virus has been detected in most body fluids of infected people, it has not been easy to develop a reliable, accurate test of saliva. The present results were obtained using the polymerase chain reaction technology to amplify (copy) viral DNA in saliva. Viral DNA was found in the saliva of 10 of 20 patients tested. The cells that contained the viral DNA were probably white blood cells that had entered the mouth as a consequence of inflammation or breaks in the mucous membranes. When a series of samples were collected from six patients over a period of several days, HIV viral DNA was found in all cases. The extent to which the disease had progressed was not related to the detection of HIV in saliva. HIV is apparently not transmitted by saliva, due to the few number of infected cells present and to factors in saliva that inhibit the virus. However, investigators are not sure that oral transmission during prolonged sexual contact is impossible. A case is described in which a woman who tested positive for HIV after a blood transfusion developed enlargement of the parotid gland (one of the salivary glands). Secretions from this gland were found to contain HIV DNA and RNA. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Diagnosis, HIV infection, HIV infections

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Possibility of cross-contamination between dental patients by means of the saliva ejector

Article Abstract:

The risk of cross-contamination by means of a saliva ejector may be high. A saliva ejector is a piece of dental equipment with a disposable tip and a non-replaceable plastic or rubber hose that draws fluid from the patient's mouth. A study examined a possible suck-back (back-flow) phenomenon and the presence of oral bacteria in the vacuum line of 20 saliva ejectors from two institutional settings and eight private dental offices. Back flow did occur when patients closed their lips around the tip of the saliva ejector. Bacteria were found in all of the vacuum lines. Sixty percent to 70% of the bacteria found in the vacuum lines were probably oral bacteria. Among dental staff from 117 dental offices, 91% asked patients to close their lips around the tip of saliva ejectors. Staff from many of the dental offices did not rinse or disinfect the vacuum lines routinely between patients.

Causes of, Contamination, Microbial contamination, Dental equipment and supplies, Dental equipment, Dental supplies

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Saliva-derived peptide shows promise as oral antifungal agent.

Article Abstract:

Candidiasis and other fungal conditions in people undergoing chemotherapy or organ transplantation or those infected with HIV can be treated with a newly developed saliva-based peptide. The research findings were presented at the International Association for Dental Research meeting held in Honolulu.

United States, Science & research, Care and treatment, Research, Methods, Usage, Risk factors, Chemotherapy, International Association for Dental Research

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