Prevalence and Comparison of Asymptomatic and Symptomatic Patients with SARS-CoV-2 Infection in a General Medicine Office in Toledo, Spain

Authors: Turabian JL*

Special Issue 2

Abstract

Background: The number and characteristics of asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infections remains questionable. The relationship between domestic and non-domestic contacts remains unclear. Also, some asymptomatic people who test positive for the virus may later develop COVID-19 symptoms. Objective: To compare in general medicine the characteristics of asymptomatic and symptomatic COVID-19 patients. Methodology: Retrospective cohort study of confirmed cases of COVID-19 (positive PCR), from March 15 to November 15, 2020, with asymptomatic patients (without any symptoms or any clinical suspicion of COVID -19, other than potential contact status, at time of test and in the 14 days after the follow-up period) and symptomatic patients (with 2 or more symptoms consistent with COVID -19). Results: 100 patients were included, 77 with symptoms. The prevalence of asymptomatic COVID-19 patients was 23%. Asymptomatic patients vs. symptomatic were younger (mean age of 33.9 vs. 43.9 years; p = .008451), they have more known previous contacts (87% vs. 56%; p <.05), and these were in a higher proportion of family type and social (56% vs. 34% contacts in the family sphere; p <.05, and 13% vs. 1% contacts in the social sphere; p <.05). There were no differences for chronic diseases. 18% were presymptomatic patients (asymptomatic who developed symptoms later to the positive PCR). The prevalence of subclinical disease (sum of true and presymptomatic asymptomatic patients) was 36%. The prevalence of asymptomatic children and adolescents was 26%. Conclusion: In the context of general medicine in Toledo (Spain), the prevalence of asymptomatic patients was 23% and of subclinical disease (sum of true and presymptomatic asymptomatic patients) 36%. Being an asymptomatic COVID-19 patient vs. symptomatic, it was associated with being younger and having more exposure to known contacts, mainly family and social. The focus of testing programs for SARS-CoV-2 should be expanded to include people who do not have COVID-19 symptoms, especially all household contacts.

Keywords: COVID-19; SARS-CoV-2; Asymptomatic Infections; Epidemiological Characteristic

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