Nimit Bajaj, BDS, MPH,1 Bruno P. Granwehr, MD, MS,2 Ehab Y. Hanna, MD,3 Mark S. Chambers, DMD, MS3
1Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
2Department of Infectious Diseases, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
3Department of Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
Corresponding Author:
Dr. Mark S. Chambers, Department of Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Unit 1445, Houston, TX 77030 USA. Telephone: (713) 745-2672
Email address: mchamber@mdanderson.org
Running title: Diagnostic potential of saliva for COVID-19 and implications for oral healthcare specialists
Keywords: COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2, saliva, nosocomial infection, head and neck
Acknowledgment: The authors would like to thank Sarah Bronson, Department of Scientific Publications at MD Anderson Research Medical Library, for help in editing of this article.
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has become a major public health crisis. The diagnostic and containment efforts for the disease have presented significant challenges for the global healthcare community. In this brief report, we provide perspective on the potential use of salivary specimens for detection and serial monitoring of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), based on current literature. Oral healthcare providers are at an elevated risk of exposure to COVID-19 due to their proximity to nasopharynx of patients, and the practice involving the use of aerosol-generating equipment. Here we summarize the general guidelines for oral healthcare specialists for prevention of nosocomial transmission of COVID-19, and provide specific recommendations for clinical care management.