Archetype of Olfactory and Gustatory Dysfunction in Breakthrough COVID-19 Illness

Abstract

Vaccination against SARS CoV-2 has resulted in COVID-19 illness with reduced incidence and milder symptomatology. With the intent to analyze the olfactory and gustatory disturbances in breakthrough COVID-19 illness, we conducted a prospective observational study on a cohort of COVID-19 positive symptomatic otolaryngologist physicians. These doctors being well sensitized to the symptoms and signs of loss of smell and taste, reported even very mild and transient symptoms. This cohort of 25 physicians included 16 unvaccinated and 9 vaccinated otolaryngologists. The overall incidence of smell and taste disturbances reported in this cohort was 80% and 84% respectively. The incidence of olfactory dysfunction was 81% in the unvaccinated group and 78% in the vaccinated group. Similarly, the incidence of gustatory dysfunction was 81% in the unvaccinated group and 89% in the vaccinated group. However, the incidence of complete loss of smell was 54% in the unvaccinated group and 100% in the vaccinated group. Ageusia was noted in 15% of the unvaccinated physicians as compared to 25% of the vaccinated ones. The average duration of smell and taste loss were lesser in the physicians who were vaccinated with two doses than their unvaccinated counterparts. Larger studies are desirable to add further knowledge on the equal incidences and higher degree of loss of smell and taste observed in breakthrough COVID-19 illness as observed in our small prospective cohort study.

Epidemiological and clinical characteristics of vaccinated COVID-19 patients: A meta-analysis and systematic review

“…Nevertheless, neurological symptoms and taste/smell disturbance symptoms were higher in the vaccine group, which was consistent with Sagar. 85 This may be due to the lack of protection of the olfactory cleft and oral cavity by circulating antibodies.…”

Incidence and prognosis of olfactory and gustatory dysfunctions related to SARS‐CoV‐2 Omicron strain infection in China: A national multicenter survey of 35,566 individuals

“…20 Foreign studies have also demonstrated that immunization can lower the likelihood of neurological symptoms (including olfactory and taste abnormalities), and people who receive two doses of the vaccine have a lower risk of developing the disease than those who receive one dose of the vaccine 21 and can recover more quickly even after symptom onset. 22 In our study, SARS-CoV-2-related olfactory and taste impairments were not associated with previous nasal disorders, including allergic rhinitis. In earlier research, 23 alcohol consumption was viewed as a risk factor for SARS-CoV-2 infection, while smoking was seen as a protective factor.…”

“…A study from China also showed that people who were unvaccinated or incompletely vaccinated were at higher risk of infection 20 . Foreign studies have also demonstrated that immunization can lower the likelihood of neurological symptoms (including olfactory and taste abnormalities), and people who receive two doses of the vaccine have a lower risk of developing the disease than those who receive one dose of the vaccine 21 and can recover more quickly even after symptom onset 22 . In our study, SARS‐CoV‐2‐related olfactory and taste impairments were not associated with previous nasal disorders, including allergic rhinitis.…”