Gingival crevicular fluid: As a diagnostic marker in HIV positive patients

OBJECTIVE: To determine the utility of gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) for the detection of anti-HIV antibodies in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected individuals using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) with respect to their CD4 counts. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was carried out between 37 seropositive (37GCF, 10 saliva) and 37 seronegative (GCF) individuals for a period of 7-8 months in GDC Nagpur. Thirty-seven GCF and 10 whole saliva samples were collected from the same patient. GCF samples were collected from gingival crevice with the help of Kimble disposable microcapillary. Saliva was collected by asking the patient to bend forward. The drooling saliva was collected in a sterile bottle and stored at Minus 20°C (-20°C). After the clinical observations the data were collected and tabulated for statistical analysis. RESULTS: When compared with serum, the sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of GCF were 100% respectively. CONCLUSION: All the above findings are suggestive of GCF being a better diagnostic medium than saliva.