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Gustatory Dysfunction: A Highly Specific and Smell-Independent Symptom of COVID-19
Luigi Angelo Vaira1, Jerome R Lechien2,3, Giovanni Salzano4
1Maxillofacial Surgery Operative Unit, University Hospital of Sassari, Viale San Pietro 43/B, 07100 Sassari, Italy.
Abstract:
Chemosensitive dysfunctions are now considered as frequent and early symptoms of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). In the last few weeks, researchers' greatest efforts have been focusing mainly on the analysis of olfactory disorders, neglecting taste dysfunctions. According to our psychophysical evaluations, it can be inferred that the pathogenesis of taste disorders in COVID-19 patients is largely smell-independent. Moreover, isolated gustatory disorders are highly specific of SARS-CoV-2 infection. For these reasons, it is essential that gustatory dysfunctions, like olfactory disorders, are included in the COVID-19 guidelines.
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