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SCREENING OF ASYMPTOMATIC COVID-19 CASES FROM THE ASPECT OF VIRUS SPREAD.
Mesut Ortatatli1, Zahir Kilic1, Ahu Pakdemirli1,2
1Department of Medical CBRN Defense, University of Health Sciences, Etlik, Ankara, Turkey.
Acta Clinica Croatica
|October 6, 2025
Summary
Identifying and isolating asymptomatic COVID-19 cases significantly reduces transmission. Unidentified asymptomatic individuals pose a fivefold higher infection risk, highlighting the need for widespread screening to control the pandemic.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Asymptomatic carriers of SARS-CoV-2 are critical in disease transmission.
- Effective strategies are needed to interrupt the COVID-19 infection chain.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of isolating asymptomatic COVID-19 cases on infection spread.
- To determine the infection risk associated with non-isolated asymptomatic individuals.
Main Methods:
- Study involved 3 identified asymptomatic COVID-19 cases and 25 close contacts.
- Close contacts were monitored with SARS-CoV-2 PCR and antibody tests at specified intervals.
- Participants were divided into groups based on proximity and contact tracing.
Main Results:
- PCR tests were negative on day 0; two contacts tested positive on day 7.
- Antibody tests at day 28 showed varying positivity rates across groups (6/8 in A, 2/6 in B, 1/11 in C).
- A statistically significant reduction in infections was observed when asymptomatic cases were isolated (p=0.04).
Conclusions:
- Isolating asymptomatic COVID-19 cases is crucial for breaking the infection chain.
- Un-isolated asymptomatic cases face a fivefold increased risk of spreading SARS-CoV-2.
- Screening and early identification of asymptomatic infections enhance quarantine and isolation effectiveness.
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