SYLYKI study
Project information
Project duration
-
Project coordinator
University of Oulu
Unit and faculty
Contact information
Project description
The use of nasopharyngeal samples has significantly increased, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Sample collection can be unpleasant, particularly for children, and it consumes healthcare resources. Better sampling methods are needed. Regarding the SARS-CoV-2 virus, saliva samples appear to be feasible at least for adults. However, information is lacking regarding other respiratory pathogens and feasibility in children.
The goal of the SYLYKI study is to determine whether saliva or gargle specimens can replace nasopharyngeal samples when investigating the cause of respiratory infections in children. The study examines 22 different viruses and bacteria, comparing samples from the nasopharynx, saliva, and gargle collected from 535 participants with respiratory infections.
Children over the age of 2 years who present at the Oulu University Hospital (OYS) pediatric emergency department and undergo nasopharyngeal sampling based on clinical criteria are eligible to participate in the study.