Asymptomatic SARS-COV-2 carriage and sero-positivity in high risk contacts of COVID-19 cases’

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dc.contributor.authorDas, Ayan Kumaren_US
dc.contributor.authorChandra, Kailashen_US
dc.contributor.authorDudeja, Mriduen_US
dc.contributor.authorAalam, Mohd Khursheeden_US
dc.date.accessioned2023-08-09T06:46:30Z
dc.date.available2023-08-09T06:46:30Z
dc.date.issued2022-06
dc.description.abstractPurpose: Identifying asymptomatic SARS-COV-2 carriage is one of the crucial factors in controlling the COVID 19 pandemic. The relationship between the asymptomatic viral carriage and the rate of seroconversion needs better understanding. The present study was conducted to identify the asymptomatic COVID-19 infection and seropositivity in high-risk contacts in the southern district of Delhi, India. Methods: Following the screening of 6961 subjects, a total of 407 asymptomatic high-risk subjects were selected. Demographic data, socioeconomic status, and history of COVID-19 related symptoms in the last 4 months were recorded. Blood samples and Nasopharyngeal/oropharyngeal swabs were collected for the detection of SARSCOV-2 RNA and anti-SARS-COV-2 antibodies. Results: 55 asymptomatic high-risk subjects (13.5%) tested positive for SARS-COV-2 infection and among them, 70.9% remained asymptomatic throughout their course of infection. The seropositivity among the subjects was 28.9% (n ¼ 118) and was found significantly higher among lower-middle socioeconomic strata (p ¼ 0.01). The antibody levels were significantly higher (p ¼ 0.033) in individuals with a previous history of COVID-19 like symptoms as compared to the subjects, who had no such history. Asymptomatic healthcare workers showed a significantly increased rate of SARS-COV-2 infection (p ¼ 0.004) and seropositivity (p ¼ 0.005) as compared to the non-healthcare workers. Subjects, who were exposed to infection at their workplace (non-hospital setting) had the least RT-PCR positivity rate (p ¼ 0.03). Conclusions: A large proportion of SARS-COV-2 infection remains completely asymptomatic. The rate of asymptomatic carriage and seropositivity is significantly higher in healthcare workers as compared to the general population. The level of SARS-COV-2 antibodies is directly related to the appearance of symptoms. These observations may contribute to redefining COVID 19 screening, infection control, and professional health practice strategies.en_US
dc.identifier.affiliationsDepartment of Microbiology, HIMSR & HAHC Hospital, New Delhi, 110062, Indiaen_US
dc.identifier.affiliationsDepartment of Biochemistry, HIMSR & HAHC Hospital, New Delhi, 110062, Indiaen_US
dc.identifier.affiliationsDepartment of Community Medicine, HIMSR & HAHC Hospital, New Delhi, 110062, Indiaen_US
dc.identifier.citationDas Ayan Kumar, Chandra Kailash, Dudeja Mridu, Aalam Mohd Khursheed. Asymptomatic SARS-COV-2 carriage and sero-positivity in high risk contacts of COVID-19 cases’. Indian Journal of Medical Microbiology. 2022 Jun; 40(2): 279-284en_US
dc.identifier.issn0255-0857
dc.identifier.issn1998-3646
dc.identifier.placeIndiaen_US
dc.identifier.urihttps://imsear.searo.who.int/handle/123456789/222837
dc.languageenen_US
dc.publisherIndian Association of Medical Microbiologistsen_US
dc.relation.issuenumber2en_US
dc.relation.volume40en_US
dc.source.urihttps://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijmmb.2021.12.012en_US
dc.subjectSARS-COV2en_US
dc.subjectReal-time RT-PCRen_US
dc.subjectSeropositivityen_US
dc.subjectAsymptomaticen_US
dc.subjectInfectionen_US
dc.titleAsymptomatic SARS-COV-2 carriage and sero-positivity in high risk contacts of COVID-19 cases’en_US
dc.typeJournal Articleen_US
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