Loss of bacterial diversity in the sinuses is associated with lower smell discrimination scores

Introduction Smell disorders affect ~ 20% of the population. Viral infections of the upper respiratory tract are one of the most common causes of temporary and persistent olfactory and taste disorders. The endonasal microbiome also influences the physiology of the olfactory epithelium. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between olfactory dysfunction and the nasal microbiome.

Methods 120 subjects (67 ♀, 53 ♂, mean age 58.3 years) were included in the study and divided into groups based on detailed psychophysical olfactory testing by Snifin’ Sticks: anosmia, hyposmia or normosmia. 24 subjects belonged to the control group without olfactory disorders in their medical history. Swabs were collected from the middle nasal meatus of each subject and prepared for bacterial 16S rRNA gene sequencing.

Results No differences in bacterial diversity or composition were observed between the three groups in this study. However, the relative frequencies of Corynebacterium spp. and Streptococcus spp. differed significantly (p  <  0.05) in individuals with olfactory disorders. In addition, subjects with a reduced discrimination ability of odours showed a lower bacterial diversity (Simpson’s evenness p  <  0.05).

Conclusion Potential bacterial biomarkers for olfactory disorders were identified. The identification of microbial biomarkers for the loss of the sense of smell could help to identify patients with an increased risk, especially for the development of a postinfectious olfactory disorder, and facilitate early therapy.

Poster-PDF A-1641.pdf

Conflict of interest

Der Erstautor gibt keinen Interessenskonflikt an.

Publication History

Article published online:
13 May 2021