Testing Olfactory and Gustatory Dysfunctions among Quarantine COVID-19 Suspects

Area of Science:

• Otorhinolaryngology
• Infectious Diseases
• Clinical Diagnostics

Background:

• The World Health Organization (WHO) identified respiratory symptoms for COVID-19 suspicion.
• Many COVID-19 suspects report smell and taste dysfunctions, prompting further investigation.
• Olfactory dysfunction (OD) and gustatory dysfunction (GD) are potential early indicators of COVID-19.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence of smell and taste loss in COVID-19 positive individuals.
• To assess the diagnostic accuracy of psychophysical testing for sensory dysfunctions in COVID-19 detection.
• To evaluate OD and GD as potential screening tools for COVID-19.

Main Methods:

• Eight hundred and thirty-two suspected COVID-19 cases were enrolled.
• Olfactory dysfunction (OD) and gustatory dysfunction (GD) were assessed using standardized odorants and solutions.
• Sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values were calculated to determine the association between sensory loss and COVID-19 positivity.

Main Results:

• Of 832 suspects, 76 (9.1%) tested positive for COVID-19.
• Anosmia/hyposmia was present in 81.6% and ageusia in 84.2% of confirmed COVID-19 cases.
• OD and GD were significantly more common in COVID-19 positive subjects (Adj OR: Smell 3.22, Taste 3.05; p < 0.001).

Conclusions:

• Smell and taste dysfunctions are highly prevalent in COVID-19 positive individuals.
• Psychophysical testing for OD and GD demonstrates high sensitivity for detecting recent-onset sensory loss in COVID-19.
• Testing for smell and taste dysfunction can serve as a simple, cost-effective screening method for COVID-19.