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ORAL MANIFESTATIONS OF COVID-19 IN UNVACCINATED PATIENTS: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY
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Affilliation
Oswaldo Cruz Foundation. Evandro Chagas National Institute of Infectious Diseases. Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil / Oswaldo Cruz Foundation. Evandro Chagas National Institute of Infectious Diseases. Acute Febrile Illnesses Laboratory. Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
Oswaldo Cruz Foundation. Oswaldo Cruz Institute. Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil / SARS-CoV National Reference Laboratory for the Brazilian Ministry of Health and Regional Reference Laboratory in Americas for the Pan American Health Organization. Washington, USA.
Oswaldo Cruz Foundation. Evandro Chagas National Institute of Infectious Diseases. Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
Oswaldo Cruz Foundation. Oswaldo Cruz Institute. Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil / SARS-CoV National Reference Laboratory for the Brazilian Ministry of Health and Regional Reference Laboratory in Americas for the Pan American Health Organization. Washington, USA.
Oswaldo Cruz Foundation. Evandro Chagas National Institute of Infectious Diseases. Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
Oswaldo Cruz Foundation. Evandro Chagas National Institute of Infectious Diseases. Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
Oswaldo Cruz Foundation. Oswaldo Cruz Institute. Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil / SARS-CoV National Reference Laboratory for the Brazilian Ministry of Health and Regional Reference Laboratory in Americas for the Pan American Health Organization. Washington, USA.
Oswaldo Cruz Foundation. Evandro Chagas National Institute of Infectious Diseases. Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
Oswaldo Cruz Foundation. Oswaldo Cruz Institute. Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil / SARS-CoV National Reference Laboratory for the Brazilian Ministry of Health and Regional Reference Laboratory in Americas for the Pan American Health Organization. Washington, USA.
Oswaldo Cruz Foundation. Evandro Chagas National Institute of Infectious Diseases. Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
Oswaldo Cruz Foundation. Evandro Chagas National Institute of Infectious Diseases. Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
Abstract
Background Early studies have highlighted the possible development of dysgeusia and anosmia in severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, and these manifestations should be considered a potential indication of coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19). As potential contributors to these symptoms, dentists should perform careful oral and oropharyngeal examinations and document suspicious oral lesions in patients with COVID-19, especially in those who complain of loss of taste and smell. The study’s objective was to assess the prevalence of oral manifestations among ambulatory unvaccinated symptomatic patients with suspected COVID-19 during the acute phase of the disease. Methods This cross-sectional study evaluated oral manifestations in adults (aged≥18 years) with suspected and confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection. Chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests were used to compare data between the groups (rRT-PCR-positive and rRT-PCR-negative patients). Results One hundred thirty-six participants were included. Most were female (n=79; 58.1%), with a mean age of 39.53 (±14.17) years. Of these, 54 (39.7%) had a positive rRT-PCR test, and 82 (60.3%) had negative rRT-PCR results. Oral manifestations were observed in 40 participants (74.1%) in the rRT-PCR-positive group and 67 participants (81.7%) in the rRT-PCR-negative group. The most common oral manifestations were xerostomia (n=85; 62.5%) and dysgeusia/ageusia (n=57; 41.9%). Different rates of gingivitis (n=12; 22.2% vs. n=5; 6.1%; p=0.005) and halitosis (n=7; 13.0% vs. n=1; 1.2%; p=0.007) were observed between the rRT-PCR-positive and -negative groups, respectively. Mouth ulcers, glossitis, tongue coating, and petechiae were reported in both groups without significant differences. Conclusions A high prevalence of oral manifestations was observed in symptomatic patients with suspected or confirmed COVID-19. Clinical Relevance This study highlights the importance of routine oral examinations by dentists as part of the multidisciplinary care of COVID-19 patients.
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