Is saliva suitable as an accurate SARS-CoV-۲ diagnostic tool?

Background and Aim : Salivary tests for the new coronavirus (SARS-CoV-۲) diagnosis have been suggested as alternative methods for the nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal tests. Saliva is a non-infectious fluid, therefore it can be a useful material for the detection of RNA/DNA of viruses. Rapid and accurate diagnosis of Covid-۱۹ is crucial in controlling the outbreak in the community and in hospitals. Nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal swabs are the recommended specimen types for Covid-۱۹ diagnostic testing. Diagnosis of viral infections presently depends on salivary biomarkers, such as viral DNA and RNA, antigens, and antibodies. Saliva has a high consistency rate of greater than ۹۰% with nasopharyngeal specimens in the detection of respiratory viruses, including coronaviruses. Methods : Coronavirus disease ۲۰۱۹ (COVID-۱۹) is a serious and potentially deadly disease. Early diagnosis of infected individuals will play an important role in stopping its further escalation. Recently, researchers have successfully validated saliva as being a viable biosample source for COVID-۱۹ detection. Results : Saliva testing will help with the global shortage of swabs for sampling and increase testing of patients. The use of saliva also reduces the time and cost associated with the collection of specimen. Further studies are needed to evaluate the potential diagnostic of Covid-۱۹ in saliva and its impact on the transmission of this virus, which is pivotal to develop rapid diagnostic tests and effective strategies for prevention. Conclusion : Saliva is a promising new source in the diagnosis of SARS-CoV-۲ in some recent studies. The use of nasopharyngeal swabs for sampling is worrying in this disease due to the problems it creates for the patient and the health professionals. In addition to patient and health professionals safety in this type of sampling, low cost is another advantage of this method. In addition, saliva samples are a good alternative to epidemiological studies and the diagnosis of asymptomatic or pre-symptomatic infections and can be useful in screening and dental care systems.Current studies from different groups have shown promising results on the possible use of saliva for detection of SARS-CoV-۲ RNA. Saliva seems to be a good candidate for the detection of SARS-CoV-۲ for cases with moderate-to-severe symptoms, and for asymptomatic or mild cases.

کلیدواژه ها:

SARS-CoV-۲ ، Saliva ، dental care ، diagnostic tool ، RNA