Researchers at Columbia University have identified a link between changes in taste and smell and the presence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies, suggesting a potential non-testing approach to gauging prior infection in some cases. This observation emerges from a study published in PLOS ONE and offers insights into how sensory alterations relate to the immune response to the virus.
The study followed 306 individuals with a mild form of COVID-19. Among them, 196 reported some degree of taste or smell disturbance, and 195 reported a loss or alteration in these senses, indicating a noticeable overlap in chemosensory symptoms within this group. The data show that 72% experienced an olfactory deficit, 20% reported heightened odor perception, 2.0% noted a reduced sense of smell, and 5% reported an unpleasant odor perception, highlighting the varied nature of taste and smell changes during infection.
Antibody testing revealed that 66% of participants (176 individuals) had IgG antibodies against the coronavirus spike protein, confirming prior exposure in a majority of the cohort. The study found that the presence of these antibodies was more common in men, though it did not appear to be tied to age, ethnicity, smoking status, or the duration of COVID-19 symptoms for this group.
Importantly, the researchers concluded that subjective reports of taste or olfactory dysfunction aligned with antibody status, suggesting that early self-reported sensory changes can be a meaningful indicator of immune exposure to SARS-CoV-2. This relationship may aid clinicians in counseling patients and in understanding the spectrum of responses to the virus, particularly in cases where broad antibody testing is not readily available. While the findings do not replace diagnostic testing, they contribute to a broader picture of how the virus interacts with sensory pathways and the immune system over the course of infection.
Overall, the study adds to the growing body of evidence that taste and smell changes are not only common symptoms of COVID-19 but may also reflect underlying immunological activity. As researchers continue to explore these links, clinicians can consider sensory changes as part of a comprehensive assessment of prior infection and potential immunity, especially in populations where testing resources are limited or where symptoms persist beyond the acute phase.