Modified enzyme immunoassay to detect hepatitis C virus antibodies in oral fluid

Abstract
Samples of oral fluid collected from 18 patients seropositive for hepatitis C virus (HCV) and 49 seronegative patients were tested for the presence of HCV antibodies with two modified serum-screening kits. The following sensitivities and specificities were obtained: HCV 3.0 assay, 72% and 98%, respectively, and Monolisa anti-HCV assay, 100% and 100%, respectively. The modified Monolisa assay demonstrated a striking concordance between serum and saliva samples. The use of oral fluids offers a convenient and noninvasive method applicable to HCV epidemiological studies and screening of high-risk groups.