SARS-Cov-2 Cycle Threshold Value and Olfactory Dysfunction in COVID-19 Patients.

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Infectious Diseases
• Virology

Background:

• Olfactory dysfunction (OD) is a common symptom of COVID-19, but its relationship with viral load remains unclear.
• Previous studies have yielded inconsistent results regarding the association between olfactory dysfunction severity/duration and viral load in COVID-19 patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between initial viral load (Ct values) and the severity and recovery duration of olfactory dysfunction in COVID-19 patients.

Main Methods:

• Prospective cohort study of 309 COVID-19 patients.
• Assessed initial nasopharyngeal cycle threshold (Ct) values and olfactory function using the University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test (UPSIT) within two months of symptom onset.

Main Results:

• Anosmia (complete loss of smell) was diagnosed in 28.8% of patients, with higher rates of severe COVID-19 and hospitalization.
• Lower initial Ct values correlated significantly with increased OD severity and longer recovery times.
• Patients who recovered their sense of smell had significantly lower Ct values compared to those still experiencing OD.

Conclusions:

• Initial viral load (Ct value) is a significant predictor of both olfactory dysfunction severity and recovery duration in COVID-19.
• These findings may aid in understanding the mechanisms underlying COVID-19-related olfactory dysfunction.