SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern Alpha and Delta show increased viral load in saliva.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Higher viral loads in SARS-CoV-2 infections may be linked to more rapid spread of emerging variants of concern (VOC). Rapid detection and isolation of cases with highest viral loads, even in pre- or asymptomatic individuals, is essential for the mitigation of community outbreaks.

Methods and findings

In this study, we analyze Ct values from 1297 SARS-CoV-2 positive patient saliva samples collected at the Clemson University testing lab in upstate South Carolina. Samples were identified as positive using RT-qPCR, and clade information was determined via whole genome sequencing at nearby commercial labs. We also obtained patient-reported information on symptoms and exposures at the time of testing. The lowest Ct values were observed among those infected with Delta (m

SUBMITTER: King KL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8863157 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature