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Researchers at IBEC develop method to assess COVID-19 severity through cough sound analysis, potentially enabling early detection and remote monitoring.

Study reveals individuals with COVID-19 can exhale substantial amounts of viral RNA, posing transmission risk even in asymptomatic cases, prompting reconsideration of isolation guidelines.

As the world continues to grapple with the COVID-19 pandemic, researchers are constantly exploring innovative methods to assess the severity of the disease and monitor its progression. In a groundbreaking study, scientists have developed a method to evaluate the severity of COVID-19 patients by analyzing their cough sounds. Furthermore, another recent study examined the amount of viral particles emitted through breathing, shedding light on the potential for transmission. These findings could revolutionize the way we diagnose, categorize, and treat COVID-19 patients, while also providing valuable insights into virus spread and public health recommendations.

The study on analyzing cough sounds involved 70 COVID-19 patients who were admitted to the hospital. By analyzing the frequency of cough sounds within 24 hours of admission, the researchers were able to identify significant differences depending on the severity of the patients’ respiratory condition. This discovery suggests that cough analysis could serve as a tool for early detection of severe COVID-19 cases and remote monitoring of their progression. The methodology and algorithms for this acoustic analysis were developed by the Biomedical Signal Processing and Interpretation (BIOSPIN) group at IBEC, showcasing their expertise in the field.

The researchers identified five parameters based on sound frequencies that exhibited significant differences in coughs of patients with varying levels of disease severity and pneumonia progression. While these findings hold immense promise, further research with a larger patient sample is needed to validate the findings and establish cough analysis as a diagnostic tool for COVID-19 and other respiratory diseases. Nonetheless, this method could be particularly beneficial in regions with limited medical infrastructure or during emergency situations, as prompt identification and isolation of COVID-19 patients using cough analysis could facilitate proper medical care and the implementation of control measures.

In parallel, the study on exhaled viruses provides crucial insights into the potential for virus transmission. The researchers collected over 300 breath samples from 43 individuals with COVID-19, measuring the amount of viral RNA emitted through breathing. The study found that levels of viral RNA varied between individuals, with some people shedding over 800 copies per minute at times. On average, participants exhaled 80 copies per minute for eight days after symptoms started, after which viral particles dropped to undetectable levels.

It is worth noting that both vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals exhaled similar levels of virus, highlighting the importance of continued precautions even among those who have been vaccinated. Additionally, individuals with more severe symptoms tended to emit more virus, but even asymptomatic or mildly ill individuals exhaled substantial amounts of viral RNA. This information challenges previous assumptions about viral transmission and emphasizes the need for vigilance, regardless of symptom severity.

The study’s findings regarding the duration of virus shedding are particularly significant. A high shedder could potentially exhale enough virus to infect someone in a closed space in about 20 seconds, while an average shedder could do so in under four minutes. This knowledge underscores the importance of isolating infected individuals for an extended period and wearing masks to reduce the risk of transmission. The current recommendation of isolating for at least five days may need to be reconsidered in light of the study’s findings, which suggest individuals should isolate through day eight after symptom onset.

The device used in the study, a plastic mouthpiece attached to a closed tube, allowed for the collection of breath samples over an extended period of time. This approach provided valuable information that previous nasal swab and aerosol experiments couldn’t capture. However, it is important to note that the device lacks the precision of advanced laboratory machines. Nevertheless, the device’s simplicity and affordability make it a viable option for widespread use, particularly in resource-constrained settings.

While these studies offer significant advancements in our understanding of COVID-19, further research is needed to determine the infectious dose required for transmission and the percentage of exhaled viral RNA capable of replicating in another person’s body. Nonetheless, the findings provide important insights for advising on mask usage, precautions in close quarters like nursing homes, and public health recommendations. By leveraging the expertise and experience of these researchers, we can continue to refine our understanding of COVID-19, ultimately leading to more effective strategies for combatting the virus.

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