July 1, 2020

Viral Dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 in Saliva from Infected Patients

Category: Article Summary

Topic: Testing and Treatment

• Zhu et al. evaluated the clinical performance of saliva specimens in comparison to paired respiratory tract specimens in a cohort of 442 patients with COVID-19 and positive respiratory tract specimens. RT-PCR testing of saliva specimens had a sensitivity of 86% (95%CI 83%, 89%) and specificity of 97% (95%CI 95, 98%). There was no significant difference regarding the temporal viral load profile between mild and severe cases.  

Zhu et al. (June 23, 2020). Viral Dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 in Saliva from Infected Patients. Journal of Infection. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jinf.2020.06.059