Covid-19 variant lineages in UAMS patients with a loss of smell
Summary
Covid-19 patients can exhibit a wide range of symptoms, including a loss of the sense of smell. In this project, we will sequence the SARS-CoV-2 genomes from UAMS patients who have reported a loss of the sense of smell, which is included in a set of questions asked to all Covid-19 patients. We will compare this with the SARS-CoV-2 lineages of a set of UAMS patients who have similar health profiles, but have maintained their sense of smell. In parallel, we will compare the SARS-CoV-2 viral load, as well as the virome and microbiome of both sets of patients. It is hypothesized that the loss of sense of smell is reflected in the microbial community structure, at the level of viral strains, virome composition, and/or microbial ecology. These changes might occur due to signals from secreted metabolites or small hormones, which could dampen the olfactory sensory neurons’ response to smell. Additionally, these symptoms are commonly present in patients that develop Post Acute COVID-19 Syndrome (PACS), a long-term debilitating disease that is poorly understood.
As part of this project, a DBMI Ph.D. student will be trained: Sangam Kandel will help with the viral sequencing and experimental analysis. This will be done as part of a research group with regular weekly meetings, with other faculty and students. The group will be sequencing several hundred SARS-CoV-2 genomes from UAMS clinical isolates, for other funded projects in addition to this one.
The goal of this project is to predict a molecular mechanism that is responsible for the loss of smell in some Covid-19 patients. This will provide the preliminary data for a larger NIH grant proposal.
Keywords:
- clinical informatics
- electronic health record (EHR)
- Patient
- Translational Research
Researchers:
- David Ussery (Author)
- Kevin Sexton
- Linda Larson-Prior