Magnitude of asymptomatic COVID-19 cases throughout the course of infection: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Author address

Author name: Muluneh Alene (MPH in Biostatistics)

Affiliation:  Debre Markos University

P.O.Box: 296

Phone: +251922894376

Email: mulunehadis@gmail.com

Abstract

Background: Asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infections are responsible for potentially significant transmissions. A number of studies were conducted to estimate the magnitude of asymptomatic COVID-19 cases. However, there is a need for more robust and well-designed studies to have a relevant public health intervention. Synthesis of the available studies significantly strengthens the quality of evidences for public health practice. Thus, this systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to determine the overall magnitude of asymptomatic COVID-19 cases throughout the course of infection using available evidences.

Methods: We followed the PRISMA checklist to present this study. Two review authors (MA and DBK) were systematically searched international electronic databases for studies, and articles that satisfied the eligibility criteria were included. The data were analyzed using R software. The overall weighted proportion of asymptomatic COVID-19 cases throughout the course infection was computed. The pooled estimates with 95% confidence intervals were presented using forest plot. Egger’s tests were used to assess publication bias, and primary estimates were pooled using a random effects model. Furthermore, a sensitivity analysis was conducted to assure the robustness of the result.

Results: To determine the magnitude of asymptomatic COVID-19 cases throughout the course infection, we included 28 studies that satisfy the eligibility criteria. In the meta-analysis, a total of 6,071 COVID-19 cases were included. The proportion of asymptomatic infections among the included studies ranged from 1.4% to 78.3%. The findings of this meta-analysis displayed that the weighted pooled proportion of asymptomatic COVID-19 cases throughout the course of infection was 25% (95%CI: 16-38). The leave-one out result also showed that the weighted pooled average of asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection was between 28% and 31.4%.

Conclusions: In conclusion, one-fourth of SARS-CoV-2 infections are remained asymptomatic throughout the course infection. Scale-up of testing, which targeting high risk populations is recommended to tackle the pandemic.

Keywords: Asymptomatic, COVID-19, Meta-analysis, SARS-CoV-2