Evaluation of taste score and fungiform papillae quantification using digital image analysis in COVID‑19 patients with smell and taste dysfunction

Abstract

Background: The COVID‑19 pandemic which is caused by the severe acute respiratory
syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‑CoV‑2) has created a major global health crisis in recent years.
Despite this, there have been few studies that have utilized reliable methods to assess changes
in taste and smell perception. Therefore, our study aims at the number of fungiform papillae and
objective measures of taste perception relationship among COVID‑19 patients with olfactory
and gustatory disorders.
Materials and Methods: This was a cross‑sectional analytical study in which 57 COVID‑19 patients
were recruited who confirmed the dysfunction of taste and smell. Objective assessment of the
sense of taste was evaluated using four different standardized solution preparations, and the
scores were given according to the patient’s statements. Digitalized quantification of fungiform
papillae was counted. The data were analyzed with the Pearson’s correlation coefficient using
the SPSS version. 23 [Licensed JSSAHER, Mysuru, Karnataka, India], and the level of significance
was set at <0.001.
Results: In terms of altered or reduced taste and smell, male patients exhibited a higher incidence
compared to females. Compared to the sour taste, a substantial number of COVID‑19 patients
have displayed a notable decrease in their ability to taste sweet, salty, and bitter flavors. However,
a statistically significant positive correlation was observed between taste scores and fungiform
papillae density (r = 0.518, P < 0.001).
Conclusion: Our Study demonstrated that the quantitative evaluation of taste perception and
the count of fungiform papillae can serve as important indicators of SARS‑CoV‑2 infection, and
could potentially help in the early detection and treatment of COVID‑19 patients, as reduced taste
function is a significant marker of the disease.
Key Words: Agnosia, COVID‑19, dysgeusia, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus
2, taste perception

Highlight

Vidya Chikkarahalli Srikantaiah: Pubmed,Google Scholar