Abstract

Background: The aim of the current study was to detect hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA in blood and saliva of a population of patients with thalassemia who have HCV antibody in their Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, blood and saliva samples were collected and were analyzed with quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for the detection of HCV RNA. In addition, liver-related blood tests were performed, and patients' medical history was recorded. Data were analyzed by independent samples t-test and Chi-square with a significant level of 0.05. Results: Overall, 62 adult patients (29 males and 33 females) were included. Most (87) of the patients had major thalassemia and genotype 1a was the most common (42) type. HCV RNA was detected in 71 and 16 of blood and saliva samples, respectively. HCV RNA was detected more in female patients (31) (P = 0.003) and in intermediate thalassemia (50) (P < 0.005). The mean age of the patients with positive saliva was almost 10 years older (P < 0.001), and the mean number of blood transfusion was fewer in positive saliva group (P = 0.037). The sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of saliva PCR was calculated to be 18, 88, 80, and 69, respectively. Conclusion: Saliva contained HCV RNA in 16 of the assessed population. The probability of detection of HCV RNA in saliva increased in older patients, less number of blood transfusions, females and intermediate. thalassemia. Saliva RT-PCR demonstrated low sensitivity and high specificity with high positive predictive value in the assessed population.