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the claim
SARS-CoV-2 infection frequently induces temporary anosmia and ageusia through sustentacular cell damage
the verdict
SUPPORTED
the evidence backs this
Recorded sources
4 sources for · 0 against
Is it true that SARS-CoV-2 infection frequently induces temporary anosmia and ageusia through sustentacular cell damage?
Yes. SARS-CoV-2 infection frequently causes temporary loss of smell and taste, driven by viral entry and subsequent damage to sustentacular cells in the olfactory epithelium.
Verdict: SUPPORTED · 4 sources for, 0 against · Last checked
The analysis
Multiple high-quality experimental and histological studies consistently show that SARS-CoV-2 infects and damages sustentacular cells in the olfactory epithelium while sparing olfactory sensory neurons, explaining the frequently observed temporary anosmia and ageusia.
Evidence for · 4
The study demonstrates that SARS-CoV-2 infects support cells like sustentacular cells in the human olfactory neuroepithelium, associated with acute anosmia and ageusia.
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Melo, G. D. d., Lazarini, F., Levallois, S., Hautefort, C., Michel, V., Larrous, F., Vérillaud, B., Aparicio, C., Wagner, S., Gheusi, G., Kergoat, L., Kornobis, É., Donati, F., Cokelaer, T., Hervochon, R., Madec, Y., Roze, E., Salmon, D., Bourhy, H., Lecuit, M., & Lledo, P. (2021). COVID-19–related anosmia is associated with viral persistence and inflammation in human olfactory epithelium and brain infection in hamsters. doi.org. https://doi.org/10.1126/scitranslmed.abf8396
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More for · 3
Research in golden Syrian hamsters shows that SARS-CoV-2 infection targets sustentacular cells rather than olfactory neurons, causing massive damage and transient anosmia.
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Bryche, B., Albin, A. S., Murri, S., Lacôte, S., Pulido, C., Gouilh, M. A., Lesellier, S., Servat, A., Wasniewski, M., Picard-Meyer, E., Monchatre-Leroy, E., Volmer, R., Rampin, O., Goffic, R. L., Marianneau, P., & Meunier, N. (2020). Massive transient damage of the olfactory epithelium associated with infection of sustentacular cells by SARS-CoV-2 in golden Syrian hamsters. doi.org. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bbi.2020.06.032
Analysis of human olfactory tissue reveals that sustentacular cells express the viral entry receptors ACE2 and TMPRSS2, establishing them as primary targets for infection.
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Fodoulian, L., Tuberosa, J., Rossier, D., Boillat, M., Kan, C., Pauli, V., Égervári, K., Lobrinus, J. A., Landis, B. N., Carleton, A., & Rodríguez, I. (2020). SARS-CoV-2 Receptors and Entry Genes Are Expressed in the Human Olfactory Neuroepithelium and Brain. doi.org. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.isci.2020.101839
Single-cell RNA sequencing confirms that sustentacular cells in the human olfactory neuroepithelium express key SARS-CoV-2 entry receptors.
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Fodoulian, L., Tuberosa, J., Rossier, D., Boillat, M., Kan, C., Pauli, V., Égervári, K., Lobrinus, J. A., Landis, B. N., Carleton, A., & Rodríguez, I. (2020). SARS-CoV-2 receptor and entry genes are expressed by sustentacular cells in the human olfactory neuroepithelium. doi.org. https://doi.org/10.1101/2020.03.31.013268
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What does the evidence say?
Multiple high-quality experimental and histological studies consistently show that SARS-CoV-2 infects and damages sustentacular cells in the olfactory epithelium while sparing olfactory sensory neurons, explaining the frequently observed temporary anosmia and ageusia.
Receipt History
first checked31 Jul 2026
judged → SUPPORTED · 9231 Jul 2026
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