Asymptomatic Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) infection: Extent and implications for infection control: A systematic review.

ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND:The Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) emerged in 2012 and attracted an international attention as the virus caused multiple healthcare associated outbreaks. There are reports of the role of asymptomatic individuals in the transmission of MERS-CoV, however, the exact role is not known. METHOD:The MEDLINE/PubMed and Scopus databases were searched for relevant papers published till August 2018 describing asymptomatic MERS-CoV infection. RESULTS:A total of 10 papers were retrieved and included in the final analysis and review. The extent of asymptomatic MERS infection had increased with change in the policy of testing asymptomatic contacts. In early cases in April 2012-October 2013, 12.5% were asymptomatic among 144 PCR laboratory-confirmed MERS-CoV cases while

SUBMITTER: Al-Tawfiq JA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7110966 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Jan - Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature