Symptom-based vs asymptomatic testing for controlling SARS-CoV-2 transmission in low- and middle-income countries: A modelling analysis.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Diagnostic testing plays a critical role in the global COVID-19 response. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests are highly accurate, but in resource-limited settings, limited capacity has led to testing delays; whereas lateral flow assays (LFAs) offer opportunities for rapid and affordable testing. We examined the potential epidemiological impact of different strategies for LFA deployment.

Methods

We developed a deterministic compartmental model of SARS-CoV-2 transmission, parameterised to resemble a large Indian city. We assumed that PCR would be used to test symptomatic individuals presenting to outpatient settings for care. We examined how the second epidemic wave in India could have been mitigated by LFA deployment in its early stages by comparing two strategi

SUBMITTER: Baik Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9511882 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature