Meta‐Analysis on the Taste Perception Genomics in <scp>COVID</scp>‐19 Mediated by <scp>TAS2R38</scp> Genotypes and Phenotypes

ABSTRACT 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 &lt; 0.00001) and the taster phenotype (OR, 3.41; 95% CI, 2.88–4.03; p &lt; 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.