Epidemiological characterization of asymptomatic carriers of COVID-19 in Colombia

Abstract

Objective: Asymptomatic carriers (AC) of the new Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) represent an important source of spread for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). Early diagnosis of these cases is a powerful tool to control the pandemic. Our objective was to characterize patients with AC status and identify associated sociodemographic factors. Methods: Using a cross-sectional design and the national database of daily occurrence of COVID-19, we characterized both socially and demographically all ACs. Additional Correspondence Analysis and Logistic Regression Model were performed to identify characteristics associated with AC state (OR, 95% CI). Results: 2338 ACs (11.8%; 95% CI, 11.3-12.2%) were identified, mainly in epidemiological week 18 [EW] (3.98; 3.24-4.90). Age ≤39 years (1.56; 1.42-1.72). Male sex (1.39; 1.26-1.53), cases imported from Argentina, Spain, Peru, Brazil, Costa Rica or Mexico (3.37; 1.47-7.71) and autochthonous cases (4.35 ; 2.12-8.93) increased the risk of identifying AC. We also identified groups of departments with moderate (3.68; 3.13-4.33) and strong (8.31; 6.10-7.46) association with AC. Discussion: Sociodemographic characteristics strongly associated with AC were identified, which may explain its epidemiological relevance and usefulness to optimize mass screening strategies and prevent person-to-person transmission.

Epidemiological characterization of symptomatic and asymptomatic COVID-19 cases and positivity in subsequent RT-PCR tests in the United Arab Emirates

“…The finding that 43.5% of the reported COVID-19 cases were asymptomatic is higher than the previously reported asymptomatic proportions in Columbia (12.0%) [ 15 ], on the Diamond Princess cruise in Japan (18.0%) [ 8 ], in the Republic of Korea (29.4%) [ 5 ], and in Japanese individuals evacuated from Wuhan (31.0%) [ 7 ]. The observed higher proportion of asymptomatic COVID-19 cases in the UAE is merely attributed to the expanded active tracing and screening activities implemented by health authorities.…”

Use of Failure Mode and Effect Analysis to Reduce Admission of Asymptomatic COVID-19 Patients to the Adult Emergency Department: An Institutional Experience

“…During the initial phase of the pandemic, there can be a rapid growth of cases related to asymptomatic patients and this is epidemiologically important as they represent a silent source of spread in various settings like emergency rooms in a hospital set-up. 5 …”

“…During the initial phase of the pandemic, there can be a rapid growth of cases related to asymptomatic patients and this is epidemiologically important as they represent a silent source of spread in various settings like emergency rooms in a hospital set-up. 5 When a pandemic of this extent and a huge spectrum of symptoms challenges the health system, the risk of misdiagnosing a patient might increase and the safety of patients might be compromised. It is therefore essential to anticipate the types of diagnostic challenges that can occur and build reliable systems that can limit failures from occurring to support the safety of both patients and clinicians.…”

Capacidades operativas de las definiciones de caso de COVID-19, para detectar pacientes diagnosticados por RT-PCR.

“…a pandemia por COVID-19 llegó a Colombia con casos importados desde febrero principalmente Europa y Estados Unidos de América, sin embargo, solo hasta el 6 de marzo se confirmó el primer caso (1,2). Desde el inicio de la pandemia en Colombia utilizamos Definiciones Operativas de Caso (D.O.C.)…”