Current global Status and the Epidemiology of Entamoeba gingivalis in humans: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract Purpose Entamoeba gingivalis (E. gingivalis) is one of the members of the wide range of oral resident pathogens in humans, particularly found in dental plaques, surfaces of gingiva or teeth, interdental spaces and carious lesions. The purpose of the current review and meta-analysis was to determine the global prevalence of E. gingivalis infection and its association with oral diseases based on published literatures. Methods Multiple English databases (PubMed, Scopus, Science Direct, Web of Science and Google Scholar) were explored for papers published until August 2020. A total of 52 studies (including 7596 participants) met the inclusion criteria. Results The overall prevalence of E. gingivalis was estimated to be 37% (95% CI: 29% - 46%). With regard to different countries, the highest and lowest pooled prevalence of E. gingivalis infection were related to Jordan with 87% (95% CI: 81% - 92%) and Portugal with 3% (95% CI: 0% - 10%), respectively. Based on WHO regions, the highest prevalence was related to the region of the Americas with 56% (95% CI: 31%-79%). The infection was most prevalent in 46-55 mean age groups [61% (95% CI: 21% - 94%)]. Among different diagnostic methods, the highest rate of the pooled prevalence was related to the molecular [53% (95% CI: 24% - 81%)] and the direct methods [36% (95% CI: 25% - 47%)], respectively. Our analyses revealed that E. gingivalis infection was associated with 4.34-fold increased risk of oral diseases (P < 0.05).Conclusion Our findings revealed a high prevalence rate of the infection among periodontal disease patients with 37% (95% CI: 20% - 57%). To conclude, it must be considered that E. gingivalis can be a risk factor associated with oral diseases and a wide range of research is needed to specify its role in the pathogenesis of these disorders.

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Strongyloides stercoralis infection in Ethiopia: systematic review and meta-analysis on prevalence and diagnostic methods

Helminthologia ◽

10.2478/helm-2021-0010 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 58 (1) ◽

pp. 17-27

Author(s):

T. Hailu ◽

E. Nibret ◽

A. Amor ◽

A. Munshea

Keyword(s):

Addis Ababa ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Random Effect ◽

Strongyloides Stercoralis ◽

Diagnostic Methods ◽

Effect Analysis ◽

Sanitation And Hygiene ◽

Pooled Prevalence ◽

High Prevalence ◽

Random Effect Analysis

Summary Strongyloides stercoralis is a helminthic intestinal parasite that causes the disease strongyloidiasis. Its prevalence is high in tropics and sub-tropics due to poor sanitation and hygiene. However, its true prevalence is not well known in Ethiopia as most health institutions use low sensitive diagnostic methods. This review aimed to determine the pooled prevalence of S. stercoralis at country, and regional state levels. Papers published on S. stercoralis in Ethiopia from 2010 to 2020 were collected from PubMed, Google Scholar and Science direct databases and Addis Ababa repository. Identification, screening, checking the eligibility, and inclusion of the relevant literatures were done. Articles with S. stercoralis positive results from Ethiopian populations were included. Articles which focused on Strongyloides infection in foreigners, and other than stool samples were excluded. The pooled prevalence of S. stercoralis and heterogeneity between studies and across regions were computed. From the 43 articles, the overall prevalence of S. stercoralis in Ethiopia was 1.82 %. Across regions, relatively high prevalence of S. stercoralis (8.78 %) was recorded in Addis Ababa city. High prevalence of S. stercoralis was found to be 44.02 % with a combination of formol ether concentration, Baermann concentration, and molecular methods. Low prevalence of 0.26 %, 0.31 %, and 1.20 % was evidenced respectively with Kato-Katz, direct saline microscopy, and formol ether concentration methods. Using random effect analysis, the pooled prevalence of S. stercoralis in Ethiopia, across regions and across diagnostic methods was 2.1 % (95 %CI: 1.20 – 3.60), 2.6 % (95 %CI: 0.80 – 8.20) and 3.7 % (95 %CI: 1.10 – 11.70), respectively. The heterogeneity was high (P<0.001). This review revealed that Strongyloides infection is probably underreported and its prevalence could be higher than the reported in Ethiopia. Therefore, a revision of the best combination of diagnostic methods could be advisable as it gives better diagnostic results in routine diagnosis of Strongyloides infection in Ethiopia.

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Antiphospholipid Antibodies in Sickle Cell Disease: A Systematic Review and Exploratory Meta-Analysis

Clinical and Applied Thrombosis/Hemostasis ◽

10.1177/10760296211002914 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 27 ◽

pp. 107602962110029

Author(s):

Mira Merashli ◽

Alessia Arcaro ◽

Maria Graf ◽

Matilde Caruso ◽

Paul R. J. Ames ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Sickle Cell Disease ◽

Sickle Cell ◽

Antiphospholipid Antibodies ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Age Groups ◽

Anticardiolipin Antibodies ◽

Cell Disease ◽

Pooled Prevalence ◽

The Relationship

The relationship between antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) and sickle cell disease (SCD) has never been systematically addressed. Our aim was to evaluate potential links between SCD and aPL in all age groups. EMBASE/PubMed was screened from inception to May 2020 and Peto odds ratios for rare events were calculated. The pooled prevalence (PP) of IgG anticardiolipin antibodies (aCL) was higher in individuals with SCD than in controls (27.9% vs 8.7%, P < 0.0001), that of IgM aCL was similar in the two groups (2.9% vs 2.7%); only individuals with SCD were positive for lupus anticoagulant (LA) (7.7% vs 0%, P < 0.0001). The PP of leg ulcers was similar between aPL positive and negative individuals (44% vs 53%) and between patients in acute crisis and stable patients (5.6% vs 7.3%). Reporting of aPL as a binary outcome and not as a titer precluded further interpretation. The results indicate that a prospective case-control study with serial measurements of a panel of aPL in SCD patients might be warranted, in order to understand further the possible pathogenic role of aPL in SCD.

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Toxoplasma gondii infection in domestic and wild felids as public health concerns: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Scientific Reports ◽

10.1038/s41598-021-89031-8 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Kareem Hatam-Nahavandi ◽

Rafael Calero-Bernal ◽

Mohammad Taghi Rahimi ◽

Abdol Sattar Pagheh ◽

Mehdi Zarean ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Toxoplasma Gondii ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Domestic Cats ◽

Potential Threat ◽

Pooled Prevalence ◽

Wild Felids ◽

Global Status ◽

The One ◽

Toxoplasma Gondii Infection

AbstractFelidae as definitive hosts for Toxoplasma gondii play a major role in transmission to all warm-blooded animals trough oocysts dissemination. Therefore the current comprehensive study was performed to determine the global status of T. gondii infection in domestic and wild felids aiming to provide comprehensive data of interest for further intervention approaching the One Health perspective. Different databases were searched by utilizing particular key words for publications related to T. gondii infecting domestic and wild feline host species, worldwide, from 1970 to 2020. The review of 337 reports showed that the seroprevalence of T. gondii in domestic cats and wild felids was estimated in 37.5% (95% CI 34.7–40.3) (I2 = 98.3%, P < 0.001) and 64% (95% CI 60–67.9) (I2 = 88%, P < 0.0001), respectively. The global pooled prevalence of oocysts in the fecal examined specimens from domestic cats was estimated in 2.6% (95% CI 1.9–3.3) (I2 = 96.1%, P < 0.0001), and that in fecal samples from wild felids was estimated in 2.4% (95% CI 1.1–4.2) (I2 = 86.4%, P < 0.0001). In addition, from 13,252 examined soil samples in 14 reviewed studies, the pooled occurrence of T. gondii oocysts was determined in 16.2% (95% CI 7.66–27.03%). The observed high rates of anti-T. gondii antibodies seroprevalence levels and oocyst excretion frequency in the felids, along with soil (environmental) contamination with oocysts may constitute a potential threat to animal and public health, and data will result of interest in further prophylaxis programs.

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Diaphragmatic herniation after esophagogastric surgery: systematic review and meta-analysis

Langenbeck s Archives of Surgery ◽

10.1007/s00423-021-02214-9 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Davide Bona ◽

Francesca Lombardo ◽

Kazuhide Matsushima ◽

Marta Cavalli ◽

Valerio Panizzo ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Treatment Algorithm ◽

Pulmonary Complications ◽

Morbidity And Mortality ◽

Current Evidence ◽

Esophageal Hiatus ◽

Pooled Prevalence ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Esophagogastric Surgery

Abstract Introduction The anatomy of the esophageal hiatus is altered during esophagogastric surgery with an increased risk of postoperative hiatus hernia (HH). The purpose of this article was to examine the current evidence on the surgical management and outcomes associated with HH after esophagogastric surgery for cancer. Materials and methods Systematic review and meta-analysis. Web of Science, PubMed, and EMBASE data sets were consulted. Results Twenty-seven studies were included for a total of 404 patients requiring surgical treatment for HH after esophagogastric surgery. The age of the patients ranged from 35 to 85 years, and the majority were males (82.3%). Abdominal pain, nausea/vomiting, and dyspnea were the commonly reported symptoms. An emergency repair was required in 51.5%, while a minimally invasive repair was performed in 48.5%. Simple suture cruroplasty and mesh reinforced repair were performed in 65% and 35% of patients, respectively. The duration between the index procedure and HH repair ranged from 3 to 144 months, with the majority (67%) occurring within 24 months. The estimated pooled prevalence rates of pulmonary complications, anastomotic leak, overall morbidity, and mortality were 14.1% (95% CI = 8.0–22.0%), 1.4% (95% CI = 0.8–2.2%), 35% (95% CI = 20.0–54.0%), and 5.0% (95% CI = 3.0–8.0%), respectively. The postoperative follow-up ranged from 1 to 110 months (mean = 24) and the pooled prevalence of HH recurrence was 16% (95% CI = 13.0–21.6%). Conclusions Current evidence reporting data for HH after esophagogastric surgery is narrow. The overall postoperative pulmonary complications, overall morbidity, and mortality are 14%, 35%, and 5%, respectively. Additional studies are required to define indications and treatment algorithm and evaluate the best technique for crural repair at the index operation in an attempt to minimize the risk of HH.

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Association between Inflammatory Conditions and Alzheimer’s Disease Age of Onset in Down Syndrome

Journal of Clinical Medicine ◽

10.3390/jcm10143116 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 (14) ◽

pp. 3116

Author(s):

Florence Lai ◽

Nathaniel Mercaldo ◽

Cassandra M. Wang ◽

Giovi G. Hersch ◽

Herminia Diana Rosas

Keyword(s):

Down Syndrome ◽

Age Of Onset ◽

Vitamin B12 Deficiency ◽

Inflammatory Conditions ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Wide Range ◽

High Prevalence ◽

Autoimmune Conditions ◽

B12 Deficiency ◽

The Relationship

Adults with Down syndrome (DS) have an exceptionally high prevalence of Alzheimer disease (AD), with an earlier age of onset compared with the neurotypical population. In addition to beta amyloid, immunological processes involved in neuroinflammation and in peripheral inflammatory/autoimmune conditions are thought to play important roles in the pathophysiology of AD. Individuals with DS also have a high prevalence of autoimmune/inflammatory conditions which may contribute to an increased risk of early AD onset, but this has not been studied. Given the wide range in the age of AD onset in those with DS, we sought to evaluate the relationship between the presence of inflammatory conditions and the age of AD onset. We performed a retrospective study on 339 adults with DS, 125 who were cognitively stable (CS) and 214 with a diagnosis of AD. Data were available for six autoimmune conditions (alopecia, celiac disease, hypothyroidism, psoriasis, diabetes and vitamin B12 deficiency) and for one inflammatory condition, gout. Gout was associated with a significant delay in the age of AD onset by more than 2.5 years. Our data suggests that inflammatory conditions may play a role in the age of AD onset in DS. Further studies are warranted.

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Prevalence and impact of frailty in patients with atrial fibrillation: a systematic review and meta-analysis

European Heart Journal ◽

10.1093/eurheartj/ehab724.0444 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 42 (Supplement_1) ◽

Author(s):

M Proietti ◽

G.F Romiti ◽

V Raparelli ◽

I Diemberger ◽

G Boriani ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Atrial Fibrillation ◽

Systematic Review ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Frailty Index ◽

Prevalence Odds Ratio ◽

Frail Patients ◽

Pooled Prevalence ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Inconsistency Index

Abstract Background Frailty is a clinical syndrome characterized by a reduced physiologic function, increased vulnerability to stressors, and an increased risk of adverse outcomes. Patients with Atrial Fibrillation (AF) are often burdened with a high number of comorbidities and prone to frailty. The prevalence of frailty, its management and association with major outcomes in patients with AF are still unclear. Purpose To estimate the pooled prevalence of frailty in patients with AF, as well as its association with AF-related risk factors and comorbidities, oral anticoagulants (OAC) prescription, and major outcomes. Methods We systematically searched PubMed and EMBASE, from inception to 31st January 2021, for studies reporting the prevalence of frailty (irrespective of the tool used for assessment). Pooled prevalence, odds ratio (OR), and 95% Confidence Intervals (CI) were computed using random-effect models; heterogeneity was assessed through the inconsistency index (I2). This study was registered in PROSPERO: CRD42021235854. Results A total of 1,116 studies were retrieved from the literature search, and 31 were finally included in the systematic review (n=842,521 patients). The frailty pooled prevalence was 39.6% (95% CI=29.2%-51.0%, I2=100%; Figure 1). Significant subgroup differences were observed according to geographical location (higher prevalence found in European-based cohorts; p=0.003) and type of tool used for the assessment (higher prevalence in studies using the Clinical Frailty Scale and Tilburg Frailty Index tools; p<0.001). Meta-regressions showed that study-level mean age and prevalence of hypertension, diabetes, and history of stroke were directly associated with frailty prevalence. Frailty was significantly associated with a 29% reduced probability of OAC prescription in observational studies (OR=0.71, 95% CI=0.62–0.81). Frail patients with AF were at higher risk of all-cause death (OR=4.12, 95% CI=3.15–5.41), ischemic stroke (OR=1.55, 95% CI=1.01–2.38), and bleeding (OR=1.55, 95% CI=1.12–2.14), compared to non-frail patients with AF. Conclusions In this systematic review and meta-analysis analysis, the prevalence of frailty was high in patients with AF, and associated with study-level mean age and prevalence of several stroke risk factors. Frailty may influence the management of patients, and worsening the prognosis for all major AF-related outcomes. FUNDunding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None. Prevalence of Frailty among AF patients

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Psychological distress among healthcare providers during COVID-19 in Asia: Systematic review and meta-analysis

PLoS ONE ◽

10.1371/journal.pone.0257983 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 16 (10) ◽

pp. e0257983

Author(s):

Siew Mooi Ching ◽

Kar Yean Ng ◽

Kai Wei Lee ◽

Anne Yee ◽

Poh Ying Lim ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Meta Analysis ◽

Healthcare Providers ◽

Random Effects Model ◽

Depression And Anxiety ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Funnel Plot ◽

Health And Wellbeing ◽

Pooled Prevalence ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Prevalence Of Depression

Introduction COVID-19 pandemic is having a devastating effect on the mental health and wellbeing of healthcare providers (HCPs) globally. This review is aimed at determining the prevalence of depression, anxiety, stress, fear, burnout and resilience and its associated factors among HCPs in Asia during the COVID-19 pandemic. Material and methods We performed literature search using 4 databases from Medline, Cinahl, PubMed and Scopus from inception up to March 15, 2021 and selected relevant cross-sectional studies. Publication bias was assessed using funnel plot. Random effects model was used to estimate the pooled prevalence while risk factors were reported in odds ratio (OR) with 95% CI. Results We included 148 studies with 159,194 HCPs and the pooled prevalence for depression was 37.5% (95%CI: 33.8–41.3), anxiety 39.7(95%CI: 34.3–45.1), stress 36.4% (95%CI: 23.2–49.7), fear 71.3% (95%CI: 54.6–88.0), burnout 68.3% (95%CI: 54.0–82.5), and low resilience was 16.1% (95%CI: 12.8–19.4), respectively. The heterogeneity was high (I2>99.4%). Meta-analysis reported that both females (OR = 1.48; 95% CI = 1.30–1.68) and nurses (OR = 1.21; 95%CI = 1.02–1.45) were at increased risk of having depression and anxiety [(Female: OR = 1.66; 95% CI = 1.49–1.85), (Nurse: OR = 1.36; 95%CI = 1.16–1.58)]. Females were at increased risk of getting stress (OR = 1.59; 95%CI = 1.28–1.97). Conclusion In conclusion, one third of HCPs suffered from depression, anxiety and stress and more than two third of HCPs suffered from fear and burnout during the COVID-19 pandemic in Asia.

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Cerebral microbleeds and risk of adverse outcomes in patients with atrial fibrillation: a systematic review and meta-analysis

European Heart Journal ◽

10.1093/eurheartj/ehab724.0448 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 42 (Supplement_1) ◽

Author(s):

B Corica ◽

G.F Romiti ◽

V Raparelli ◽

R Cangemi ◽

S Basili ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Atrial Fibrillation ◽

Systematic Review ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Random Effect ◽

Adverse Outcomes ◽

Cerebral Microbleeds ◽

Funding Sources ◽

Conflicting Evidence ◽

Pooled Prevalence ◽

Increased Risk

Abstract Background Long-term anticoagulation in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) imposes a careful balance between the thromboembolic and hemorrhagic risks. An association between cerebral microbleeds (CMBs) and an increased risk of intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) has already been described; however, conflicting evidence exist on the association with ischemic stroke (IS). Although CMBs are often observed in AF patients, the actual prevalence and the magnitude of the risk of adverse events in patients with CMBs is unclear. Purpose We aimed to estimate the pooled prevalence of CMBs in patients with AF through a systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature. Additionally, we evaluated the risk of ICH and IS according to the presence and burden of CMBs. Methods We perform a systematic search on PubMed and EMBASE from inception to 6th March 2021. We included all studies reporting the prevalence of CMBs, the incidence of ICH and/or IS in AF by presence of CMBs. Pooled prevalence and odds ratios (OR), along with their 95% Confidence Intervals (CI), were computed using random-effect models; we also calculated 95% Prediction Intervals (PI) for each outcome investigated. Additionally, we performed subgroup analyses according to the number and localization of CMBs. Results We retrieved 562 records from the literature search, and 17 studies were finally included. Pooled prevalence of CMBs in AF population was 28.3% (95% CI: 23.8%-33.4%; 95% PI: 12.2%-52.9%, Figure 1). Individuals with CMBs showed a higher risk of both ICH (OR: 3.04, 95% CI: 1.83–5.06) and IS (OR: 1.78, 95% CI: 1.26–2.49). Moreover, patients with more than 5 CMBs, as well as patients with both lobar and mixed CMBs, showed a higher risk of ICH. Conclusions CMBs were found in 28.3% of AF patients, with 95% PIs indicating a potentially higher prevalence. Moreover, CMBs were associated with an increased risk of both ICH and IS, with the effect potentially modulated by their number and localization. CMBs may represent an important and often overlooked risk factor for adverse outcomes in patients with AF. FUNDunding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None. Prevalence of CMBs in patients with AF

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Treatment Outcome of Epileptic Patients Receiving Antiepileptic Drugs in Ethiopia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Behavioural Neurology ◽

10.1155/2021/5586041 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 2021 ◽

pp. 1-11

Author(s):

Taklo Simeneh Yazie ◽

Belayneh Kefale ◽

Mulugeta Molla

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Treatment Outcome ◽

Antiepileptic Drugs ◽

Addis Ababa ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Age Groups ◽

Seizure Freedom ◽

Pharmacoresistant Epilepsy ◽

Pooled Prevalence ◽

Epileptic Patients

Background. The prevalence and incidence rate of epilepsy were found to be higher in low- and middle-income countries. Uncontrolled epilepsy has a high risk of disability, stigma, discrimination, human rights violations, and premature death. The available studies of controlled seizure in Ethiopia have showed inconsistent results which calls for systematic review and meta-analysis. Therefore, this review intended to show the pooled prevalence of controlled seizure among people with epilepsy receiving antiepileptic drugs at outpatient department. Methods. A systematic literature search was conducted using PubMed/Medline, Science Direct, PsycINFO, Hinnarri databases, and Google Scholar for grey literatures. Data were extracted with structured format prepared using Microsoft Excel and exported to Stata/MP 16.0 software for analyses. The I 2 test was used to check the heterogeneity between primary studies with a corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI). Results. A total of 23 primary studies were included in the review showing the pooled prevalence of controlled seizure to be 46% (95% CI: 35, 56). A subgroup analysis of the primary studies showed a considerable variation in magnitude of seizure freedom by study regions, age groups, and seizure-free period. The highest prevalence was found in Addis Ababa 52% (95% CI: 29, 75), pediatric patients 77% (95% CI: 71, 83), and a seizure-free period of less than six months 58% (95% CI: 32, 83). On the other hand, the lowest prevalence of controlled seizure was found in Tigray 27% (95% CI: 11, 65), adult patients 43% (95% CI: 32, 54), and a seizure-free period of six or more 41% (95% CI: 32, 51). Higher frequency of seizure before treatment (2.23, 95% CI: 1.15, 3.31) and medication nonadherence (2.7, 95% CI: 1.25, 4.15) had statistically significant association with uncontrolled seizure. Conclusion. In this review, the prevalence of controlled seizure was found to be low. This warrants that clinicians should give more focus to epileptic patients regarding monitoring and evaluation of treatment outcome of epilepsy and factors that affect seizure control in routine clinical services. The use of standardized definition of controlled seizure, designing strategies to identify pharmacoresistant epilepsy and its treatment, and increasing medication adherence are recommended in Ethiopia. The review protocol has been registered with PROSPERO registration number CRD42021215302.

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Objective sensory testing methods reveal a higher prevalence of olfactory loss in COVID-19–positive patients compared to subjective methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Chemical Senses ◽

10.1093/chemse/bjaa064 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Mackenzie E Hannum ◽

Vicente A Ramirez ◽

Sarah J Lipson ◽

Riley D Herriman ◽

Aurora K Toskala ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Meta Analysis ◽

Objective Measures ◽

Subjective Measures ◽

Partial Loss ◽

Olfactory Loss ◽

Point Estimates ◽

Pooled Prevalence ◽

Wide Range ◽

Subjective Measurements ◽

Smell Loss

Abstract Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), has currently infected over 6.5 million people worldwide. In response to the pandemic, numerous studies have tried to identify causes and symptoms of the disease. Emerging evidence supports recently acquired anosmia (complete loss of smell) and hyposmia (partial loss of smell) as symptoms of COVID-19, but studies of olfactory dysfunction show a wide range of prevalence, from 5% to 98%. We undertook a search of Pubmed/Medline and Google Scholar with the keywords “COVID-19,” “smell,” and/or “olfaction.” We included any study that quantified smell loss (anosmia and hyposmia) as a symptom of COVID-19. Studies were grouped and compared based on the type of method used to measure smell loss—subjective measures such as self-reported smell loss versus objective measures using rated stimuli—to determine if prevalence differed by method type. For each study, 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated from point estimates of olfactory disturbances. We identified 34 articles quantifying anosmia as a symptom of COVID-19 (6 objective, 28 subjective), collected from cases identified from January 16 to April 30, 2020. The pooled prevalence estimate of smell loss was 77% when assessed through objective measurements (95% CI of 61.4-89.2%) and 44% with subjective measurements (95% CI of 32.2-57.0%). Objective measures are a more sensitive method to identify smell loss as a result of infection with SARS-CoV-2; the use of subjective measures, while expedient during the early stages of the pandemic, underestimates the true prevalence of smell loss.

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