HIV in saliva?

Question

As I'm sure you all know the semester session of the college year is coming to an end, and I of course am expected to write a very long essay as a final, as well as with another exam (YAY!, no really, there isn’t really a feeling like drinking 3 pots of coffee in a day).

Now anyway, according to this health book, out of a study done with 71 people, one was found to have HIV in his saliva. Now I was planning on putting revolving around this in my report for health class, but the book does not give a source or anything about where this study was conducted, or even when.

The book is called Access to Health by Rebecca J. Donatelle. I've been googling this for a while, and all I see is stuff regarding that kissing is a safe activity, extremely low risk, ect. Does anyone have ANY details on this study, or have a link to a similar one?

I'm not asking for information at ALL!! I just want a source that I can quote in my report.

MURP, I will give you best answer as soon as possible. Thank you for your time, ans help.

Answer 1

This is from the National Institutes of Health a very "official source". The entire document is at the link below.

"Saliva

Although researchers have found HIV in the saliva of infected people, there is no evidence that the virus is spread by contact with saliva. Laboratory studies reveal that saliva has natural properties that limit the power of HIV to infect, and the amount of virus in saliva appears to be very low. Research studies of people infected with HIV have found no evidence that the virus is spread to others through saliva by kissing. The lining of the mouth, however, can be infected by HIV, and instances of HIV transmission through oral intercourse have been reported. Scientists have found no evidence that HIV is spread through sweat, tears, urine, or feces."

Personally I think they down-play the dangers of all this because they don't want people to be frightened of AIDs. Transmission from saliva,etc. is almost impossible to prove or disprove. But, above you have the official party line for the US government.

Of course, TB and flu can be transmitted by saliva and clerks continue to lick their fingers to open bags, count money, and people spit in public.

I hope this is what you need.