Misclassification of Asymptomatic Infections of COVID-19

Introduction: Several cases of asymptomatic infections of COVID-19 being reported by several countries in this pandemic and with the recent conflicting information of asymptomatic transmission of COVID-19, it is important to look critically on the true nature of these reported asymptomatic infections. There is a possibility most of the reported asymptomatic infections of COVID-19 are not truly asymptomatic but are either presymptomatic, mild infections or infections in the post-symptomatic phase.

Results: These infections misclassified as asymptomatic infections can result in misleading findings in studies attempting to understand asymptomatic transmission of COVID-19.

Conclusion: It is therefore crucial that rigorous and detailed data be collected during contact tracing to accurately identify and classify asymptomatic infections COVID-19.