Dataset Information

Descriptive epidemiology of SARS-CoV-2 infection in Karnataka state, South India: Transmission dynamics of symptomatic vs. asymptomatic infections.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The huge surge in COVID-19 cases in Karnataka state, India, during early phase of the pandemic especially following return of residents from other states and countries required investigation with respect to transmission dynamics, clinical status, demographics, comorbidities and mortality. Knowledge on the role of symptomatic and asymptomatic cases in transmission of SARS-CoV-2 was not available.

Methods

The study included all the cases reported from March 8 - May 31, 2020. Individuals with a history of international or domestic travel from high burden states, Influenza-like Illness or Severe Acute Respiratory Illness and high-risk contacts of COVID-19 cases were included. Detailed analysis based on contact tracing data available from the line-list of state surveillance unit was performed using cluster network analysis software.

Findings

Amongst the 3404 COVID-19 positive cases, 3096 (91%) were asymptomatic while 308 (9%) were symptomatic. Majority of asymptomatic cases were in the age range of 16 and 45 years while symptomatic cases were between 31 and 65 years. Mortality rate was especially higher among middle-aged and elderly cases with co-morbidities, 34/38 (89·4%). Cluster network analysis of 822 cases indicated that the secondary attack rate, size of the cluster and superspreading events were higher when the source case was symptomatic as compared to an asymptomatic.

Interpretation

Our findings indicate that both asymptomatic and symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 cases transmit the infection, although symptomatic cases were the main driving force within the state during the beginning of the pandemic. Considering the large proportion of asymptomatic cases, their ability to spread infection cannot be overlooked. Notwithstanding the limitations and bias in identifying asymptomatic cases, the findings have major implications for testing policies. Active search, early testing and treatment of symptomatic elderly patients with comorbidities should be prioritized for containing the spread of COVID-19 and reducing mortality.

Funding

Intermediate Fellowship, Wellcome Trust-DBT India Alliance to Giridhara R Babu, Grant number: IA/CPHI/14/1/501499.

SUBMITTER: Kumar N

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7831811 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

ACCESS DATA

Publications

Descriptive epidemiology of SARS-CoV-2 infection in Karnataka state, South India: Transmission dynamics of symptomatic vs. asymptomatic infections.

Kumar Narendra N Shahul Hameed Shafeeq K SK Babu Giridhara R GR Venkataswamy Manjunatha M MM Dinesh Prameela P Kumar Bg Prakash P John Daisy A DA Desai Anita A Ravi Vasanthapuram V

EClinicalMedicine 20210106

<h4>Background</h4>The huge surge in COVID-19 cases in Karnataka state, India, during early phase of the pandemic especially following return of residents from other states and countries required investigation with respect to transmission dynamics, clinical status, demographics, comorbidities and mortality. Knowledge on the role of symptomatic and asymptomatic cases in transmission of SARS-CoV-2 was not available.<h4>Methods</h4>The study included all the cases reported from March 8 - May 31, 20 ...[more]

PMID: 33521608

Similar Datasets

Project description:BackgroundIt is argued that Indian gender minorities displayed differential mental health problems and suicide attempts. Hence, the study was intended to understand the prevalence of anxiety, depression and suicidality among this group, specifically those living in a metropolitan city in South India.MethodsThe data was generated from a cross-sectional study that employed a structured questionnaire to collect information about experiences of anxiety, depression and suicidal behavior among gender-diverse individuals in Bangalore, the capital city of Karnataka state. The study used stratified simple random sampling of eligible individuals who were 18 years of age and older and who were enrolled in an HIV prevention program implemented for gender-diverse individuals run by the Karnataka Health Promotion Trust and the University of Manitoba at the time of the study (2012). Bivariate and multivariate analyses were used to assess the relative contribution of various factors that affect suicide ideation or actual attempts among the gender diverse participants.ResultsResults showed that 62% whose main source of income was Basti (socially sanctioned practice of begging), 52% of Hijras, 56% who lived with their Gurus, 58% who were not happy with their physical appearance, 55% who consumed alcohol daily, and 63% who experienced high depression had ever thought of or attempted suicide in the month prior to the survey. However, multivariate analysis showed that respondents who were not happy with their physical appearance and thought of changing it had significantly higher odds (AOR = 2.861; CI 1.468,5.576; p = 0.002) of either having thoughts that it was better being dead or wished they died. Similarly, those who experienced high depression, their odds of either having had thoughts of or having attempted suicide increased by three times (AOR = 3.997; CI 1.976, 8.071; p < 0.000).ConclusionsIt is observed that a high percentage of gender minorities had attempted suicide or thought of suicide during the month preceding the data collection. The findings bring new insights on the proximate determinant of physical appearance on the suicidality of gender minorities assigned male at birth and appropriate to account for this while addressing the mental health issues.

Project description:UnlabelledRotaviruses (RVs) are leading causes of severe diarrhea and vomiting in infants and young children. RVs with G10P[11] genotype specificity have been associated with symptomatic and asymptomatic neonatal infections in Vellore, India. To identify possible viral genetic determinants responsible for differences in symptomology, the genome sequences of G10P[11] RVs in stool samples of 19 neonates with symptomatic infections and 20 neonates with asymptomatic infections were determined by Sanger and next-generation sequencing. The data showed that all 39 viruses had identical genotype constellations (G10-P[11]-I2-R2-C2-M2-A1-N1-T1-E2-H3), the same as those of the previously characterized symptomatic N155 Vellore isolate. The data also showed that the RNA and deduced protein sequences of all the Vellore G10P[11] viruses were nearly identical; no nucleotide or amino acid differences were found that correlated with symptomatic versus asymptomatic infection. Next-generation sequencing data revealed that some stool samples, both from neonates with symptomatic infections and from neonates with asymptomatic infections, also contained one or more positive-strand RNA viruses (Aichi virus, astrovirus, or salivirus/klassevirus) suspected of being potential causes of pediatric gastroenteritis. However, none of the positive-strand RNA viruses could be causally associated with the development of symptoms. These results indicate that the diversity of clinical symptoms in Vellore neonates does not result from genetic differences among G10P[11] RVs; instead, other undefined factors appear to influence whether neonates develop gastrointestinal disease symptoms.ImportanceRotavirus (RV) strains have been identified that preferentially replicate in neonates, in some cases, without causing gastrointestinal disease. Surveillance studies have established that G10P[11] RVs are a major cause of neonatal infection in Vellore, India, with half of infected neonates exhibiting symptoms. We used Sanger and next-generation sequencing technologies to contrast G10P[11] RVs recovered from symptomatic and asymptomatic neonates. Remarkably, the data showed that the RNA genomes of the viruses were virtually indistinguishable and lacked any differences that could explain the diversity of clinical outcomes among infected Vellore neonates. The sequencing results also indicated that some symptomatic and some asymptomatic Vellore neonates were infected with other enteric viruses (Aichi virus, astrovirus, salvirus/klassevirus); however, none could be correlated with the presence of symptoms in neonates. Together, our findings suggest that other poorly defined factors, not connected to the genetic makeup of the Vellore G10P[11] viruses, influence whether neonates develop gastrointestinal disease symptoms.

Project description:BackgroundWomen's health and nutrition are key to their reproductive health and are important for optimising pregnancy outcomes. Formation of most foetal organs starts soon after conception and much before the woman has her first antenatal visit. The provision of biomedical, behavioural and social interventions to couples to address health, nutrition, behaviour issues and individual environmental risk factors that could contribute to improved maternal and child health outcomes before conception is crucial. Most rural women in India, do not seek pregnancy care before the second trimester because of socio-cultural factors. Therefore, intervening in the preconception period is important. The objective of the study was to explore the challenges and opportunities of implementing preconception care interventions.MethodsIndividual, in-depth, semi-structured interviews (n = 25) were conducted with primary stakeholders (newly married women, newly married men, and family members) in Shorapur taluk of Yadgir district and Devadurga taluk of Raichur district. Thirty-one interviews were conducted with taluk, district, state officials and academicians. This descriptive qualitative study conducted four focus group discussions with front-line health workers. The in-depth interviews (IDIs) and Focus-group discussions (FGDs) used separate pre-tested semi-structured interview/discussion guides. Data analysis was carried out using NVivo software using a phenomenological approach with both inductive and deductive analysis.ResultsA strong influence of social and cultural norms shapes healthcare-seeking behaviour at the community level. Poor dietary diversity, lack of awareness, poor literacy levels, work pressure for women, lack of decision-making power and empowerment among women, pressure to conceive early, and gender norms are the roadblocks to successful preconception care programs in the rural Karnataka setting. The stakeholders expressed the need for interventions during the preconception period. The government functionaries recommended several interventions which could be potentially integrated into the existing Reproductive Maternal, Neonatal, Child and Adolescent Health (RMNCH + A) strategy to improve the health and nutrition of women before they conceive.ConclusionThe study highlights the need for structured interventions during the preconception period to improve maternal health and pregnancy outcomes. The recommendations provided by government functionaries are indicative of the feasibility of integrating interventions in the RMNCH + A strategy.

Dataset Information

Descriptive epidemiology of SARS-CoV-2 infection in Karnataka state, South India: Transmission dynamics of symptomatic vs. asymptomatic infections.

Background

Methods

Findings

Interpretation

Funding

Publications

Descriptive epidemiology of SARS-CoV-2 infection in Karnataka state, South India: Transmission dynamics of symptomatic vs. asymptomatic infections.

Similar Datasets

OmicsDI is part of the ELIXIR infrastructure

Tweets