Reproducible Breath Metabolite Changes in Children with SARS-CoV-2 Infection

• DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.1c00248
• Publication Date: 2021-07-28T17:25:33Z
• Authors: Amalia Z. Berna; Elikplim H. Akaho; Rebecca M. Harris; Morgan Congdon; Emilie Korn; Samuel Neher; Mirna M’Farrej; Julianne Burns; Audrey R. Odom John
• Keywords: Nonanal; Heptanal; Octanal

SARS-CoV-2 infection is diagnosed through detection of specific viral nucleic acid or antigens from respiratory samples. These techniques are relatively expensive, slow, and susceptible to false-negative results. A rapid noninvasive method detect would be highly advantageous. Compelling evidence canine biosensors studies adults with COVID-19 suggests that reproducibly alters human volatile organic compound (VOC) profiles. To determine whether pediatric associated VOC changes, we enrolled infected uninfected children admitted a major academic medical center. Breath samples were collected analyzed state-of-the-art GCxGC-ToFMS. Isolated features included 84 targeted VOCs. Candidate biomarkers correlated status subsequently validated in second, independent cohort children. We thus find six compounds significantly increased the breath Three aldehydes (octanal, nonanal, heptanal) drew special attention, as also elevated COVID-19. Together, these demonstrate high accuracy for distinguishing support ongoing development novel breath-based diagnostics.