Researchers from the Goethe University Frankfurt have presented new data demonstrating the feasibility of detecting respiratory viruses from exhaled breath samples using standard diagnostic laboratory platforms. The results were shared during the 35th Annual Meeting of the Gesellschaft für Virologie, one of Europe’s leading scientific gatherings dedicated to virology research.
The conference took place from 17 to 20 March 2026 at the Life Science Campus of Heidelberg University in Germany, bringing together researchers and clinicians working across the full spectrum of virology—from basic science to clinical and translational applications.
The study evaluated workflows for processing samples collected with the AveloMask, a device designed to capture exhaled breath aerosols for diagnostic analysis. Researchers tested the compatibility of breath samples with widely used automated extraction systems and multiplex PCR assays commonly implemented in clinical laboratories.
The analysis demonstrated successful detection of respiratory viruses from human breath samples, including:
- SARS-CoV-2
- Influenza viruses
- Human rhinovirus (HRV)
Importantly, the best-performing workflow detected all expected pathogens in clinical samples, confirming the technical feasibility of integrating breath-based sampling into routine diagnostic settings.
The work was conducted within the framework of the B-Path Project, which aims to advance innovative diagnostic technologies and strengthen preparedness for emerging infectious diseases.
