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

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  • Kylie L King
  • Stevin Wilson
  • Justin M Napolitano
  • Keegan J Sell
  • Lior Rennert
  • Christopher L Parkinson
  • Delphine Dean

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 (median: 22.61, IQR: 16.72–28.51), followed by Alpha (23.93, 18.36–28.49), Gamma (24.74, 18.84–30.64), and the more historic clade 20G (25.21, 20.50–29.916). There was a statistically significant difference in Ct value between Delta and all other clades (all p.adj

Suggested Citation

  • Kylie L King & Stevin Wilson & Justin M Napolitano & Keegan J Sell & Lior Rennert & Christopher L Parkinson & Delphine Dean, 2022. "SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern Alpha and Delta show increased viral load in saliva," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 17(5), pages 1-10, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:plo:pone00:0267750
    DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0267750
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