In this work, the researchers analyzed data from a follow-up of contacts carried out in Wuhan, from 26 foci of viral transmission. Following extensive clinical examinations, 33 of 78 patients exposed to the virus were found to be asymptomatic. This represents 42.3% of the participants.
The portrait of a healthy young woman
Scientists have looked into the characteristics of these patients who did not develop the disease. Most were young, with a median age of 37 years, compared to 56 years in patients with symptoms. The majority of women were 66.7%. And among these patients, only one suffered from liver disease. In addition, they had a much higher level of helper T cells (or CD4 +) than symptomatic patients.
Despite the absence of symptoms, the virus is nevertheless identifiable in the body and can leave traces. Using chest scanners, the researchers were able to assess the length of recovery for these asymptomatic patients. This was much faster than in symptomatic patients, from 9 days to 15. The same observation for the duration of viral excretion which was 8 days against 19. Finally, it seems that the damage suffered by the immune system are less important than in symptomatic infections.
“Improving knowledge of asymptomatic Covid-19 case profiles will allow us to adapt prevention measures,” inserms Inserm. As well as “to maintain a sufficient level of vigilance of the populations most at risk of contracting an infection that would go unnoticed and to transmit the virus”.
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Source: Destination Santé
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