Seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in people with an acute loss in their sense of smell and/or taste in a community-based population in London, UK: An observational cohort study

This study of 590 people reporting loss of smell and/or taste found 77.6% had SARS-CoV-2 antibodies; seropositivity was more likely in those with smell vs taste loss (OR 2.86; 95% CI 1.27–6.36; p<0.001). The study did not have a control group and relied on self-reporting.

SPS commentary:

The authors suggest recent loss of smell is a highly specific symptom of Covid-19 that should be considered more generally in guiding case isolation, testing and treatment of Covid-19.

PLOS Medicine