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COVID-19 sniffer dog experimental training: Which protocol and which implications for reliable sidentification?
Silvia Angeletti1, Francesco Travaglino2, Silvia Spoto3
1Unit of Clinical Laboratory Science, University Campus Bio-Medico of Rome, Rome, Italy.
Journal of Medical Virology
|June 21, 2021
Summary
Trained sniffer dogs can reliably detect COVID-19 by identifying specific volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in patient sweat samples. This olfactory detection method offers a potentially faster and more cost-effective approach for mass screening.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Infectious Disease Detection
- Olfactory Science
Background:
- Trained dogs have previously demonstrated success in detecting various diseases.
- COVID-19 is characterized by specific volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can be detected via scent.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate a training protocol for sniffer dogs to detect COVID-19.
- To assess the reliability of dogs in identifying COVID-19 specific VOCs.
Main Methods:
- Three dogs of different breeds underwent a two-phase training protocol involving olfactory conditioning and discrimination.
- Training utilized sweat samples from both SARS-CoV-2 positive and negative patients.
- Dogs were trained to identify the specific VOCs associated with COVID-19.
Main Results:
- Dogs achieved significant reliability in identifying COVID-19 specific VOCs.
- The training protocol successfully identified the 'switch moment' when dogs could reliably detect the target compounds.
- Statistical analysis showed a highly significant difference in correct versus incorrect reporting (p < 0.0001).
Conclusions:
- The developed protocol is a viable tool for training sniffer dogs for COVID-19 detection.
- Trained sniffer dogs offer a promising, potentially cost-effective, and rapid method for mass COVID-19 screening.
- This approach could complement existing diagnostic methods.
