Saliva and salivary gland alterations in HIV infection
Article Abstract:
This review covers recent research concerning the effects of infection with human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1), associated with AIDS, on the salivary glands and their function. These effects are important because abnormalities of salivary function affect the physiological equilibrium of the mouth. HIV-1 can be detected in saliva and in cells that are present in saliva, but it is not known whether these viruses are infectious. A very small amount of infectious virus was found in saliva collected directly from a salivary gland duct. Repeated sampling of saliva from the same HIV-1-positive patient will find the virus only sporadically; the same is true for detecting the virus in blood samples. HIV-1 has been found in the salivary glands of infected people with salivary gland disease. In such cases, it is present in macrophages, monocytes, and lymphocytes (types of blood cells), but not in the cells that make up the ducts and glands themselves; the virus does not seem to take up residence in the salivary secretory elements. Oral transmission of HIV-1 does not appear to take place, perhaps partly because the viral concentrations in saliva are very low. Saliva can reduce the infectivity of the virus, even when the saliva is from HIV-1-infected patients. While specific inhibitory factors have not been identified, saliva is known to contain antibodies against HIV-1. Infected patients have decreased saliva production, as well as altered saliva composition; the concentrations of some enzymes, sodium chloride, and immunoglobulin A are elevated and the saliva has increased anti-microbial activity. Approximately 6 percent of infected patients develop HIV-salivary gland disease (HIV-SGD). In such cases, the glands (usually the parotid gland) become enlarged and the salivary flow diminishes. The symptoms, including the histopathology, resemble those of Sjogren's syndrome. However, HIV-SGD patients do not typically have circulating autoantibodies (antibodies against the body's own proteins). Viruses such as HIV can cause both salivary gland disease and autoimmunity. Most HIV-positive patients maintain adequate salivary gland function. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: Journal of the American Dental Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0002-8177
Year: 1991
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Salivary diagnostics powered by nanotechnologies, proteomics and genomics
Article Abstract:
A study examining the oral diseases using oral fluids such as the saliva, for monitoring health status, disease onset and progression, and treatment outcome using salivary diagnostic technologies, is presented.
Publication Name: Journal of the American Dental Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0002-8177
Year: 2006
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