Detection of Respiratory Pathogens in Saliva and Mouthwash Samples in Children.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Less invasive alternatives for nasopharyngeal swab samples are needed for the detection of respiratory pathogens in children.

Methods

Prospective diagnostic study comparing the accuracy and convenience of saliva and mouthwash samples with nasopharyngeal swab samples in detecting respiratory pathogens using a multiplex polymerase chain reaction panel for 19 respiratory viruses or viral subtypes and 4 respiratory bacteria. Acutely ill children aged 2-16 years with a suspected respiratory tract infection provided saliva and mouthwash samples in addition to a nasopharyngeal swab sample.

Results

Altogether, 850 samples were obtained from 302 children, including 300 nasopharyngeal swab, 277 saliva, and 273 mouthwash samples. Among 302 participants (mean age, 9.7 

SUBMITTER: Lindholm V 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12771362 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature