Researchers in the United States have sought to examine why some people lose their sense of taste and smell after being infected with corona, while others do not.
The study involved 69,841 patients in Corona, with 68% of respondents reporting loss of odor or taste or the two senses combined.
Researchers at genomics and biotechnology company 23andMe made a genetic comparison between those who reported loss of taste and smell and those who did not find two genes - UGT2A2 and UGT2A1, which are linked to sensory loss.
These genes are responsible for the process of breaking down and metabolizing the epithelial cells found in the nose.
Corona patient in ward at Gates of Justice,
Upon publication of the findings, Adam Otton, vice president of human genetics at the company, said that "processing a huge amount of information has enabled biological insights into the disease."
The study revealed additional trends, in which women are 11% more likely to lose their sense of taste and smell.
The largest risk group is in the age group 35-26, with 73% of the victims being in this age group.
In addition, people of Asian or African American descent are less at risk for sensory loss, probably due to better variation of these genes.
However, the researchers emphasize that the study is biased towards people of European descent, due to limited reference data.
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