Evaluation of salivary beta-2 microglobulin as HBV proliferation marker in HBS Ag+, HBV DNA PCR+ and HBV DNA PCR subjects

Aim The aim of this study was to determine the concentration of salivary B2M as a marker of viral proliferation in HBS Ag+, HBV DNA PCR+ and Hbs Ag+ and HBV DNA PCR− subjects. Background Beta-2 microglobulin (B2M) is responsible for transmission of viral antigens such as Hepatitis B (HBV) on the surface of liver cells as part of an HLA complex. Patients and methods In this case control study, 25 PCR+ and 2 PCR− patients were included. 5 mL of the saliva sample was obtained from all patients and salivary B2M level was measured using nephelometer. The data was evaluated by the descriptive, chi square and t tests. Results 72% of the PCR+ patients received medications and in contrast, 85.7% of the patients with PCR− did not take any medication (P < 0.001). The average salivary concentration ofBeta-2 microglobulin in the PCR+ group (5.28 ± 5.45 mg/deciliter) was more than PCR− group (1.51±0.77) and this difference was statistically significant (P = 0.003). Conclusion The salivary B2Mlevel can be used as a marker of viral proliferation in patients with hepatitis B.