Correlation Between Salivary Flow Rate and IgA in HIV/AIDS Patients

Introduction: Objectives: To investigate salivary IgA levels and to determine its correlation with salivary flow rate in HIV-infected Patients in Pokdisus AIDS Cipto Mangunkusomo Hospital Jakarta. Salivary gland disease is a common oral manifestation of HIV infection that can affect quality and quantity of saliva. Antibody secretion, especially salivary immunoglobulin A (IgA), is a useful indicator of mucosal immune function.

Methods: The study design was cross-sectional. Whole paraffin-wax stimulated saliva was collected from 103 HIV-infected patients and 30 healthy individuals. Saliva was collected using the spitting method. Salivary IgA levels were determined by the immunoturbidimetry method using the Behring Turbitimer Analyser.

Results: Salivary IgA levels were 141.55 ± 83.23 (HIV group) and 97.24 ± 38.25 (healthy individuals). The Mann-Whitney U test showed salivary IgA levels were significantly higher in HIV/AIDS subjects compared with healthy individuals (p<0.1). Spearman's correlation test between salivary IgA levels and salivary flow rate showed an inverse correlation (p < 0,0001 and r = -0,552).

Conclusion: This study indicates that total salivary IgA levels were significantly related to salivary flow rate among HIV/AIDS subjects in Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital.