Characteristics of asymptomatic COVID-19 infection and progression: A multicenter, retrospective study

Abstract

Novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, has spread globally since the end of 2019. Asymptomatic carriers are of great concern as they can undermine the interventions to stop the pandemic. However, there is limited information about the characteristics and outcomes of the asymptomatic patients. Therefore, we conducted this retrospective study and retrieved data of 79 asymptomatic COVID-19 patients at admission from three designated hospitals in Wuhan, China. The asymptomatic patients could happen at any age, ranged from 9 to 96 years. These patients also had lower levels of alanine aminotransferase and C-reactive protein. Patchy shadowing was the most common manifestation in computed tomography scan. Some asymptomatic carriers developed mild or moderate symptoms during hospitalization. Age and comorbidities, especially hypertension, may be predictive factors for symptom development in the initially asymptomatic carriers at admission. Early detection and treatment for these presymptomatic patients before symptom onset can shorten the communicable period for the coronavirus and reduce the occurrence of severe cases.