A new study suggests there is a genetic factor that increases the odds of someone losing their sense of smell or taste after getting COVID-19.
A team of researchers at 23andme have identified a genetic risk factor that increased the odds of that happening by 11%, according to a study recently published in the journal Nature Genetics.
Women were 11% more likely than men to report losing those senses after contracting the virus, the study said, with 73% of those affected being between 26 and 35 years old.
The team then conducted a genome study of those who reported the symptom and those who reported they didn’t have the symptom. They found a location near two genes— UGT2A1 and UGT2A2— associated with the loss of taste and smell from a bout of COVID-19.
Researchers noted that the study had some limitations, including a bias towards people of European ancestry. Although more research is needed, the study’s findings might help scientists better understand why some people who contract the virus lose one or both senses.