Using Discarded Facial Tissues to Monitor and Diagnose Viral Respiratory Infections.

ABSTRACT: Molecular biology amplification enables sensitive detection of most respiratory viruses through nasopharyngeal swabbing. We developed an innovative approach to detect viral genomes on used facial tissues. In 2 communities of children, used tissues were collected once weekly for 1 year. Pooled analysis of tissues enabled detection of successive virus circulation in 4 age groups over time and forecasted by several weeks the circulation of influenza in the general population. At the individual level, in a proof-of-concept study of 30 volunteers with influenza-like signs/symptoms, we identified common respiratory viruses. The signals for SARS-CoV-2 obtained in parallel from 15 facial tissues and swab samples were similar and often higher for the tissues (11/15). Individual analysis of tissues

SUBMITTER: Lagathu G 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9973701 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature