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Asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 Carriers: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Gopiram Syangtan1, Shrijana Bista2, Prabin Dawadi2
1Shi-Gan International College of Science and Technology (SICOST), Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu, Nepal.
Frontiers in Public Health
|February 8, 2021
Summary
Nearly half of COVID-19 cases are asymptomatic, acting as unknown carriers. Females and children are more likely to be asymptomatic, highlighting the need for mass surveillance beyond symptom screening.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Asymptomatic carriers of SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19) pose a significant risk for disease transmission.
- Identifying and understanding the prevalence of asymptomatic COVID-19 cases is crucial for effective containment strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To appraise the frequency of asymptomatic individuals with COVID-19.
- To estimate the occurrence of asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infections by age group and gender.
Main Methods:
- A systematic review and meta-analysis of published literature was conducted.
- Data were sourced from three electronic databases (PubMed, Embase, Web of Science) up to April 30, 2020.
- A random effects model was used to pool prevalence data from 16 studies involving 2,788 SARS-CoV-2 infected patients.
Main Results:
- The pooled prevalence of asymptomatic COVID-19 cases was 48.2% (95% CI, 30-67%).
- Females constituted 55.5% (95% CI, 43.6-66.8%) of asymptomatic cases.
- Children represented 49.6% (95% CI, 20.5-79.1%) of asymptomatic cases.
Conclusions:
- Asymptomatic individuals are a major driver of SARS-CoV-2 transmission.
- Females and children are disproportionately represented among asymptomatic COVID-19 cases.
- Current symptom-based screening is insufficient; mass surveillance targeting asymptomatic individuals, particularly females and children, is essential for global containment.
