Shortened SARS-CoV-2 shedding in saliva during early Omicron compared to wild-type pandemic phase

Abstract

This study compared the dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 viral shedding in saliva between wild-type virus-infected and Omicron-infected household cohorts. Pre-existing immunity in participants likely shortens duration of viral shedding and lowers viral load peaks. Dense saliva sampling can be a convenient tool to study viral load dynamics.