Salivary Test Available For Hepatitis B

Viral hepatitis is one of the world's most common viral illnesses.

The role of saliva in the transmission of hepatitis B makes dental personnel particularly vulnerable to this infection.  A study in Compendium, 3/2012, compared a group of known seropositive hepatitis B patients to a  control group without the disease.  The HBsAg (hepatitis specific antigen) was found in the saliva of 74.9% of the seropositive patients.  The saliva in the control group was accurate in 100% of the patients.  The conclusion of the study was that saliva collection is easy and non-invasive and an accurate method of detection of the hepatitis specific antigen.

This is another example of how salivary diagnostics is becoming a more frequent method for finding disease.

Robert G. Tupac, DDS, FACP, Inc.,
 Diplomat, American Board of Prosthodontics
(661) 325-1275 | www.drtupac.com
5060 California Ave., #170, Bakersfield, CA 93309

Immunizations Are Not Just For Kids

The Centers for Disease Control encourages all people to protect their health by being immunized against infectious diseases.  Did you know adults need to be vaccinated also?  Immunizations are NOT just for kids!  Regardless of your age, we ALL need immunizations to keep us healthy.  With time, immunity from childhood vaccines can fade and you may be at risk for new and different diseases.  With adulthood comes responsibility, including the need to protect ourselves and our loved ones.  The specific immunizations you need as an adult are determined by factors such as your age, lifestyle, high-risk conditions, type and locations of travel, and previous immunizations.  Throughout your adult life, you need immunizations to get and maintain protection.  Tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (whooping cough) (for all adults who have not previously received the Tdap vaccine).  Hepatitis B infection (for adults who have diabetes or are at risk for hepatitis B).  Other vaccinations you may need include those that protect against human papillomavirus (which can cause certain cancers), hepatitis A, chickenpox (varicella), and measles, mumps and rubella.  Ask your doctor which vaccines are recommended for you.


Robert G. Tupac, DDS, FACP, Inc., Diplomate, American Board of Prosthodontics (661) 325-1275 | www.drtupac.com 5060 California Ave., #170, Bakersfield, CA 93309

Salivary Test Available For Hepatitis B

Viral hepatitis is one of the world's most common viral illnesses.  The role of saliva in the transmission of Hepatitis B makes dental personnel particularly vulnerable to this infection.  A study in Compendium, 3/2012, compared a group of known seropositive hepatitis B patients to a control group without the disease.  The HBsAg (hepatitis specific antigen) was found in the saliva of 74.9% of the seropositive patients.  The saliva in the control group was accurate in 100% of the patients.  While HBsAg is considered the hallmark of HBV infection, serum collection and testing is potentially infectious and time consuming.  In addition, up to 80% of infected patients may have only subclinical symptoms.  The conclusions of this study were that saliva collection is easy and non-invasive and an accurate method of detection of the hepatitis B antigen and is a promising tool for diagnostic studies. 

Salivary diagnostics is becoming a more frequent method for finding disease. 


Robert G. Tupac, DDS, FACP, Inc., Diplomate, American Board of Prosthodontics (661) 325-1275 | www.drtupac.com 5060 California Ave., #170, Bakersfield, CA 93309