Saliva is a reliable tool to detect SARS-CoV-2

Highlights • Saliva is a reliable tool to detect SARS-Cov-2 by RT-rPCR analysis. • Saliva may provide information about the clinical evolution of the disease. • Saliva could represent a valid instrument in COVID-19 diagnosis. • Patients should be checked for salivary viral load at hospital discharge.
Summary Objectives This study analyzed salivary samples of COVID-19 patients and compared the results with their clinical and laboratory data. Methods Salivary samples of 25 COVID-19 patients were analyzed by rRT-PCR. The following data were collected: age, sex, comorbidities, drugs. Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and ultrasensitive reactive C protein (usRCP) values were registered on the same day when a salivary swab was collected. Prevalence of positivity in saliva and association between clinical data and the cycle threshold as a semiquantitative indicator of viral load were considered. Results Twenty-five subjects were recruited into this study, 17 males and 8 females. The mean age was 61.5 +/− 11.2 years. Cardiovascular and/or dysmetabolic disorders were observed in 65.22% of cases. All the samples tested positive for the presence of SARS-CoV-2, while there was an inverse association between LDH and Ct values. Two patients showed positive salivary results on the same days when their pharyngeal or respiratory swabs showed conversion. Conclusions Saliva is a reliable tool to detect SARS-CoV-2. The role of saliva in COVID-19 diagnosis could not be limited to a qualitative detection of the virus, but it may also provide information about the clinical evolution of the disease.