Persistent Smell Loss Following Undetectable SARS-CoV-2

Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2020 Nov;163(5):923-925. doi: 10.1177/0194599820934769. Epub 2020 Jun 9.

Abstract

The association of smell and taste loss with COVID-19 has been well demonstrated with high prevalence rates. In certain cases, chemosensory loss may be the only symptom of COVID-19 and may linger while other symptoms have resolved. The significance of persistent smell and taste loss and its relationship to ongoing viral shedding has yet to be investigated. In this cross-sectional study, of the 316 laboratory test-confirmed COVID-19 cases at our institution, 46 had subsequent test-based confirmation of viral clearance with 2 consecutive negative RT-PCR test results (reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction). Olfactory dysfunction was reported by 50% of the patients (23 of 46), with 78% (18 of 23) having subjective persistent smell loss despite negative RT-PCR test results. These preliminary data demonstrate the persistence of self-reported smell loss despite otherwise clinical resolution and undetectable nasal viral RNA.

Keywords: COVID-19; SARS-CoV-2; health care policy; health care workers; smell loss.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Betacoronavirus*
  • COVID-19
  • Coronavirus Infections / complications*
  • Coronavirus Infections / epidemiology
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Humans
  • Incidence
  • Olfaction Disorders / epidemiology
  • Olfaction Disorders / etiology*
  • Olfaction Disorders / physiopathology
  • Pandemics
  • Pneumonia, Viral / complications*
  • Pneumonia, Viral / epidemiology
  • Prevalence
  • SARS-CoV-2
  • Smell / physiology*
  • United States / epidemiology