March 24, 2020

Temporal profiles of viral load in posterior oropharyngeal saliva samples and serum antibody responses during infection by SARS-CoV-2: an observational cohort study

Category: Article Summary

Topic: Testing and Treatment

• To et al ascertain the serial respiratory viral load of SARS-CoV-2 in posterior oropharyngeal (deep throat) saliva samples from 30 patients with COVID-19 from 2 Hong Kong hospitals, and serum antibody responses in this cohort study. 
• Posterior oropharyngeal saliva specimens are non-invasive and acceptable to patients and can be used for initial diagnosis and subsequent viral load monitoring of COVID-19. The study provides information on viral kinetics and antibody response in patients. 

To et al. (Mar 23, 2020). Temporal profiles of viral load in posterior oropharyngeal saliva samples and serum antibody responses during infection by SARS-CoV-2: an observational cohort study. Lancet Infectious Diseases. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1473-3099(20)30196-1