Investigation of Oral Candida Colonization in COVID-19 Patients With Dysgeusia

Background: The mechanism of dysgeusia in coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is also still debated. Although excess of Candida in the oral cavity can cause changes in the sense of taste, it is not known whether there is a relationship between Candida colonization on the surface of the tongue and dysgeusia occurred in COVID-19. We aimed to evaluate the frequency and species distribution of Candida colonization on dorsum the tongue in patients with dysgeusia after COVID-19, in addition various factors that may be associated with dysgeusia and colonization. Methods: This case-control study was conducted in a tertiary care hospital for 3 months. Participants were divided into the following 3 groups: patients with dysgeusia who have had COVID-19 confirmed with PCR; patients with no dysgeusia who have had COVID-19 in the last 3 months; and healthy volunteers. Scraping samples from the surface of dorsum the tongue were obtained from all participants and used for direct microscopic examination and fungal culture. Results: A total of 201 participants were analyzed. Any association between dysgeusia and the frequency of Candida colonization or species distribution did not observe. However, the vaccination with mRNA vaccine and tooth brushing habits reduced the frequency of dysgeusia. The frequency of Candida colonization on dorsum the tongue was significantly higher in the participants who smoke or have dentures (P < 0.05), independently COVID-19. Conclusions: The results of this study may be useful to explain of the factors affecting dysgeusia or Candida colonization.