Evaluating SARS-CoV-2 Saliva and Dried Blood Spot Surveillance Strategies in a Congregate Population

Emerg Infect Dis. 2023 Sep;29(9):1925-1928. doi: 10.3201/eid2909.230417. Epub 2023 Aug 14.

Abstract

The optimal approach to COVID-19 surveillance in congregate populations remains unclear. Our study at the US Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, USA, assessed the concordance of antibody prevalence in longitudinally collected dried blood spots and saliva in a setting of frequent PCR-based testing. Our findings highlight the utility of salivary-based surveillance.

Keywords: COVID-19; SARS-CoV-2; congregate population; coronavirus disease; dried blood spot; respiratory infections; saliva; severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2; strategies; surveillance; vaccine-preventable diseases; viruses; zoonoses.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • COVID-19 Testing
  • COVID-19* / diagnosis
  • COVID-19* / epidemiology
  • Clinical Laboratory Techniques
  • Humans
  • SARS-CoV-2*
  • Saliva