ABSTRACT
Hepatitis includes a wide range of clinical and pathological conditions. The beta-2 microglobulin [B[2][M], as part of the HLA complex, is responsible for transmission of viral antigens on the surface of liver cells. The purpose of this study is to determine the concentration of salivary B2M as a marker of viral proliferation in subjects who are HbsAg[1], HBV DNA PCR[+] compared with those who are HbsAg[+], HBV DNA PCR[-]. In this case-control study, we enrolled 25 patients who were Hbs Ag[+], HBV DNA PCR[+] in addition to 21 patients who were Hbs Ag[+], HBV DNA PCR[-]. We obtained sputum samples from all patients and measured salivary B[2]M levels by nephelometry. Data analyses were performed by the descriptive, student's t- and chi-square tests. There were 25 men [54.3%] and 21 women [45.7%] with a mean age of 35.72 +/- 11.86 years who participated. Of PCR[+] patients, 72% were on medication, however 85.7% of the PCR[-] patients did not take medication [p<0.001]. Salivary B[2]M concentration in the PCR[+] patients [5.28 +/- 5.45] was greater than observed in the PCR patients [1.51 +/- 0.77], of which this difference was statistically significant [p<0.003]. Salivary B2M levels, as a marker of viral replication, could be used in patients with hepatitis B