Presence of hepatitis B antigen in the saliva of viral hepatitis patients.

: The presence of hepatitis B antigen (HBsAg) in the saliva of 14 (43.7%) out of 32 patients with viral hepatitis (VH) and antigenemia was revealed by discontinuous counter-immunoelectrophoresis. HBsAg was found in the saliva of both children and adults, more frequently during the first weeks after the onset of illness. The findings point out the possibility of non-parenteral VH transmission (kissing, sneezing, dishes, toys, etc.).