Respiratory Pathogen Detection in Children: Saliva as a Diagnostic Specimen

Pediatr Infect Dis J. 2021 Sep 1;40(9):e351-e353. doi: 10.1097/INF.0000000000003191.

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.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Bordetella pertussis / genetics
  • Bordetella pertussis / pathogenicity
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Clinical Laboratory Techniques / methods
  • Clinical Laboratory Techniques / standards*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Male
  • Multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • Mycoplasma pneumoniae / genetics
  • Mycoplasma pneumoniae / pathogenicity
  • Nasopharynx / microbiology
  • Nasopharynx / virology
  • Oropharynx / microbiology
  • Oropharynx / virology
  • Prospective Studies
  • Respiratory Tract Infections / diagnosis*
  • Respiratory Tract Infections / microbiology
  • Respiratory Tract Infections / virology
  • Saliva / microbiology*
  • Saliva / virology*
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Specimen Handling
  • Viruses / classification
  • Viruses / genetics*
  • Viruses / pathogenicity