Canine olfactory detection of SARS-CoV-2-infected humans-a systematic review

Sebastian Meller, Charles Caraguel, Friederike Twele, Marios Charalambous, Clara Schoneberg, Anne-Lise Chaber, Loïc Desquilbet, Dominique Grandjean, Fernando O Mardones, Lothar Kreienbrock, Stéphane de la Rocque, Holger A Volk

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

Abstract

PURPOSE: To complement conventional testing methods for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2 infections, dogs' olfactory capability for true real-time detection has been investigated worldwide. Diseases produce specific scents in affected individuals via volatile organic compounds. This systematic review evaluates the current evidence for canine olfaction as a reliable coronavirus disease 2019 screening tool.

METHODS: Two independent study quality assessment tools were used: the QUADAS-2 tool for the evaluation of laboratory tests' diagnostic accuracy, designed for systematic reviews, and a general evaluation tool for canine detection studies, adapted to medical detection. Various study design, sample, dog, and olfactory training features were considered as potential confounding factors.

RESULTS: Twenty-seven studies from 15 countries were evaluated. Respectively, four and six studies had a low risk of bias and high quality: the four QUADAS-2 nonbiased studies resulted in ranges of 81%-97% sensitivity and 91%-100% specificity. The six high-quality studies, according to the general evaluation system, revealed ranges of 82%-97% sensitivity and 83%-100% specificity. The other studies contained high bias risks and applicability and/or quality concerns.

CONCLUSIONS: Standardization and certification procedures as used for canine explosives detection are needed for medical detection dogs for the optimal and structured usage of their undoubtful potential.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)68-85
Number of pages18
JournalAnnals of Epidemiology
Volume85
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Sept 2023

Keywords / Materials (for Non-textual outputs)

  • Animals
  • Dogs
  • Humans
  • COVID-19/diagnosis
  • SARS-CoV-2
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Smell
  • Systematic Reviews as Topic

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