Agreement: I AgreeBody: Dear Editor Sorry to hear of the passing of David Brown; he pioneered the development of saliva diagnostic testing for viral infections including Mumps Measles and Rubella - I had the pleasure of clinically collecting samples from children with viral exanthema in Seacroft Hospital, Leeds infectious diseases subregional centre, as we faced endemic numbers of measles - a horrific disease which led to the death of otherwise healthy children. We confirmed the saliva test worked and was as good as a blood test. We then demonstrated it could identify immunity in children who had survived measles. In 1988, the introduction of the measles mumps rubella MMR vaccine and the saliva testing demonstrated immunity in the children post-vaccination. The incidence of measles declined thereafter and it is concerning to see it raising its head again lately. I will never forget the children who were lost. It was a terrific time to be involved in viral immunology with Dr Brown and colleagues at the UK HSA's Virus Reference Department in Colindale, London, Dr Sohrab Panday Perry KR, Brown DWG, Parry JV, Panday S, Pipkin C, Richards A.The detection of measles, mumps and rubella antibodies in saliva using antibody capture radioimmunoassay.J Med Virol1993;40:235–40.PubMedWeb of ScienceGoogle Scholar No competing Interests: YesThe following competing Interests: Electronic Publication Date: Tuesday, September 30, 2025 - 11:34AI use: No, I have not used AIHighwire Comment Subject: David Brown: virologist who developed saliva testing for rubella and measles and led the virus reference department for the Health Protection Agency for almost two decadesWorkflow State: ReleasedFull Title: Re: David Brown: virologist who developed saliva testing for rubella and measles and led the virus reference department for the Health Protection Agency for almost two decades Highwire Comment Response to: David Brown: virologist who developed saliva testing for rubella and measles and led the virus reference department for the Health Protection Agency for almost two decadesCheck this box if you would like your letter to appear anonymously:: Last Name: PandayFirst name and middle initial: SohrabEmail: spanday@nhs.netAddress: Belper Occupation: GPAffiliation: RCGPBMJ: Additional Article Info: Rapid response