Assessment of Anosmia and Ageusia as Diagnostic Marker for Identifying Corona Virus Disease-2019

Sumit Kumar Saha, Kaushik Mishra, Subrata Ray, Kallol Sil

Abstract: The objective of the present study was to detect viral infected clinical features in the naso-pharyngeal cavity with special reference to loss of smell (anosmia) and taste (ageusia) during COVID-19 pandemic. This study was a retrospective emergency department-based study. All the data were gathered among COVID-19 patients (n=4552) who visited the emergency department at IDBG & Hospital, Kolkata. The study was completed within a period of 7-months who visited this department between 01.08.2020 to 28.02.2021. All patients presenting COVID-19 related symptoms had specific clinical parameters and questions were asked regarding loss of smell (anosmia) and taste (ageusia). In the case of age (years), in higher age group, significantly (P<0.000) higher anosmia and ageusia when compared to without anosmia and ageusia. The pulse rate (bpm) was significantly (P<0.009) increased in anosmia group, both respiratory rate (per min) was significantly (p = 0.046) increased while and SpO2 (%) was significantly (p = 0.047) decreased in anosmia group in comparison with without anosmia group. Only respiratory rate (per min) significantly (P<0.000) increased while SpO2 (%) significantly (P<0.000) decreased in ageusia group. Systolic blood pressure (mm Hg) and temperature (0F) were obtained significant change (P=0.018 and P=0.013) between the groups. This study helps to detect suitable markers viz. anosmia and ageusia in COVID-19 diagnosis. Moreover, in eastern India, this is first time endeavour in which prior to test of clinical parameters, these two olfactory dysfunctions confirmed the infection of corona virus.

Keywords: SARS-COV-2, COVID-19, TMPRSS2, Anosmia, Ageusia, Oral mucocutaneus lesion, Hypogeusia