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Archetype of Olfactory and Gustatory Dysfunction in Breakthrough COVID-19 Illness
Prem Sagar1, Rajeev Kumar1, Alok Thakar1
1Department of Otolaryngology and Head Neck Surgery, AIIMS, New Delhi, 110029 India.
Summary
Vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) may not prevent smell and taste loss in breakthrough infections. Vaccinated individuals experienced a higher incidence of complete smell loss and ageusia, though symptoms were shorter-lasting.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Infectious Diseases
- Immunology
Background:
- Vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) reduces disease incidence and severity.
- Breakthrough infections can still occur, necessitating an understanding of their specific symptomatology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze olfactory and gustatory disturbances in physicians experiencing breakthrough COVID-19 illness.
- To compare smell and taste dysfunction between vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals with COVID-19.
Main Methods:
- Prospective observational study of 25 symptomatic otolaryngologist physicians (16 unvaccinated, 9 vaccinated).
- Detailed reporting of olfactory and gustatory symptoms by physicians sensitized to these specific signs.
Main Results:
- Overall incidence of smell and taste disturbances was high (80% and 84%).
- Vaccinated individuals reported 100% incidence of complete smell loss and higher ageusia (25%) compared to unvaccinated (54% and 15%).
- Average duration of smell and taste loss was shorter in vaccinated individuals.
Conclusions:
- Breakthrough COVID-19 infections can lead to significant olfactory and gustatory dysfunction, even in vaccinated individuals.
- Higher degrees of smell and taste loss were observed in vaccinated participants, warranting further investigation.
- Shorter symptom duration in vaccinated individuals suggests a potential benefit of vaccination despite breakthrough infection.
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