We aim to understand the mechanism of olfactory dysfunction in COVID-19.
In December 2019, a new coronavirus causing severe acute respiratory syndrome was described in Wuhan, China. This virus, later named severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), spread worldwide and has been designated a pandemic by the World Health Organization. By the beginning of March 2020, several Ear, Nose, Throat societies raised awareness of a frequent association between coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and smell disorders. In the present study, the investigators wish to begin to understand the pathogenesis of olfactory dysfunction in COVID-19.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
NA
Purpose
BASIC_SCIENCE
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
150
In all groups of participants, tissue from the nasal cavity and olfactory system will be surgically removed
UZ Leuven
Leuven, Vlaams-Brabant, Belgium
RECRUITINGPrevalence of SARS-CoV-2 in the sampled tissue
In the sampled tissues, the investigators will determine presence of SARS-CoV-2 by means of immunohistochemistry, RNA-scope and spatial transcriptomics
Time frame: Immediately after death
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