There are very few studies in search of an alternate and convenient diagnostic tool which can substitute nasopharyngeal swab (NPS) specimen for detection of SARS‐CoV‐2. In the study we analyzed, the comparison and agreement between the feasibility of using the saliva in comparison to NPS for diagnosis of SARS‐CoV‐2. A total number of 74 patients were enrolled for this study. We analyzed and compared the NPS and saliva specimen collected within 48 h after the symptom onset. We carried out real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, gene sequencing for the detection and determination SARS‐CoV‐2 specific genes. Phylogenetic tree was constructed to establish the isolation of viral RNA from saliva. We used the Bland–Altman model to identify the agreement between two specimens. This study showed a lower cycle threshold (CT) mean value for the detection of SARS‐CoV‐2 ORF1 gene (mean, 27.07; 95% confidence interval [CI], 25.62 to 28.52) in saliva methods than that of NPS (mean 28.24; 95% CI, 26.62 to 29.85) specimen although the difference is statistically nonsignificant (p > .05). Bland–Altman analysis produced relatively smaller bias and high agreement between these two clinical specimens. Phylogenetic analysis with the RdRp and S gene confirmed the presence of SARS‐CoV‐2 in the saliva samples. Saliva represented a promising tool in COVID‐19 diagnosis and the collection method would reduce the exposure risk of frontline health workers which is one of the major concerns in primary healthcare settings.

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Background Snakebite envenoming (SBE) is an acute, life-threatening emergency in tropical and subtropical countries. It is an occupational hazard and a major socioeconomic determinant. Limited awareness, superstitions, lack of trained health providers, poor utilization of anti-venom results in high mortality and morbidity. India is the snakebite capital of the world. Yet, information on awareness, knowledge, and perceptions about snakebite is limited. Data on capacity building of health systems and its potential impact is lacking. Recommended by the National Task Force on snakebite research in India, this protocol describes the National Snakebite Project aiming for capacity building of health systems on prevention and management of snakebite envenomation in Maharashtra and Odisha states. Methods A cross-sectional, multi-centric study will be carried out in Shahapur, Aheri blocks of Maharashtra, and Khordha, Kasipur blocks of Odisha. The study has five phases: Phase I involves the collection of retrospective baseline data of snakebites, facility surveys, and community focus group discussions (FGDs). Phase II involves developing and implementing educational intervention programs for the community. Phase III will assess the knowledge and practices of the healthcare providers on snakebite management followed by their training in Phase IV. Phase V will evaluate the impact of the interventions on the community and healthcare system through FGDs and comparison of prospective and baseline data. Discussion The National Snakebite Project will use a multi-sectoral approach to reduce the burden of SBE. It intends to contribute to community empowerment and capacity building of the public healthcare system on the prevention and management of SBE. The results could be useful for upscaling to other Indian states, South Asia and other tropical countries. The findings of the study will provide critical regional inputs for the revision of the National Snakebite Treatment protocol. Trial registration Registered under the Clinical Trials Registry India no. CTRI/2021/11/038137.

Background: The present paper describes the key challenges and opportunities of mixed method telephonic data collection for mental health research using field notes and the experiences of the investigators in a multicenter study in ten sites of India. The study was conducted in public and private hospitals to understand the mental health status, social stigma and coping strategies of different healthcare personnel during the COVID-19 pandemic in India.Methods: Qualitative and quantitative interviews were conducted telephonically. The experiences of data collection were noted as a field notes/diary by the data collectors and principal investigators.Results: The interviewers reported challenges such as network issues, lack of transfer of visual cues and sensitive content of data. Although the telephonic interviews present various challenges in mixed method data collection, it can be used as an alternative to face-to-face data collection using available technology.Conclusions: It is important that the investigators are well trained keeping these challenges in mind so that their capacity is built to deal with these challenges and good quality data is obtained.