Meta-Analysis on the Taste Perception Genomics in COVID-19 Mediated by TAS2R38 Genotypes and Phenotypes

Evidence from previous meta-analyses demonstrated that taste dysfunction is highly prevalent in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The aim of this study is to evaluate the association between TAS2R38 genotypes and phenotypes in individuals infected with COVID-19. A literature search was conducted in PubMed, PubMed Central, ScienceDirect, SpringerLink, Cochrane Library, ClinicalKey and Wiley online library databases using the keywords “((TAS2R38) OR (bitter taste receptor gene)) AND ((COVID-19) OR (SARS-COV-2))” to identify articles evaluating the association between TAS2R38 genotype/phenotype status and COVID-19. The analysis revealed that the TAS2R38 PAV allele in its dominant form (OR, 5.77; 95% CI, 5.54–6.00; p < 0.00001) and the taster phenotype (OR, 3.41; 95% CI, 2.88–4.03; p < 0.00001) was significantly associated with COVID-19 infection. The present study suggests that assessing taste phenotype status in populations such as close contacts and non-hospitalized individuals may serve as a valuable tool in the management of COVID-19 and similar pandemics.