Respiratory Pathogen Detection in Children: Saliva as a Diagnostic Specimen

Emma M. de Koff, Sjoerd M. Euser, Paul Badoux, Judith Sluiter-Post, Dirk Eggink, Elisabeth A. M. Sanders, Marlies A. van Houten

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

7 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

We compared pathogen detection between saliva, nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal swabs in children with respiratory symptoms. The sensitivity in nasopharyngeal swabs was 93% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 78%-98%), in oropharyngeal swabs 79% (95% CI: 60%-90%), in saliva overall 76% (95% CI: 58%-88%) and in 18 saliva samples collected with drooling or sponges, 94% (95% CI: 74%-99%). Saliva could be a relevant specimen alternative.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)E351-E353
JournalPediatric Infectious Disease Journal
Early online date2021
DOIs
Publication statusE-pub ahead of print - 2021

Keywords

  • diagnostics
  • pediatrics
  • respiratory pathogens
  • saliva

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