Abstract Background: There are large knowledge gaps regarding how transmission of 2019 novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) occurred in different settings across the world. This study aims to summarize basic reproduction number (R 0 ) data and provide clues for designing prevention and control measures. Methods: Several databases and preprint platforms were retrieved for literature reporting R 0 values of COVID-19. The analysis was stratified by the prespecified modeling method to make the R 0 values comparable, and by country/region to explore whether R 0 estimates differed across the world. The average R 0 values were pooled using a random-effects model. Results: We identified 185 unique articles, yielding 43 articles for analysis. The selected studies covered 5 countries from Asia, 5 countries from Europe, 12 countries from Africa, and 1 from North America, South America, and Australia each. Exponential growth rate model was most favored by researchers. The pooled global R 0 was 4.08 (95% CI, 3.09–5.39). The R 0 estimates for new and shifting epicenters were comparable or even higher than that for the original epicenter Wuhan, China. Conclusions: The high R 0 values suggest that an extraordinary combination of control measures is needed for halting COVID-19.
【저자키워드】 Meta-analysis, 2019 novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19), basic reproduction number (R0), 【초록키워드】 COVID-19, Europe, knowledge, Transmission, database, Asia, 2019 novel coronavirus, Measures, basic reproduction number, estimate, South America, disease, platform, Combination, Analysis, Exponential growth rate, 95% CI, average, North America, measure, random-effects model, article, country, articles, Wuhan, China, shifting, researchers, selected, occurred, unique, comparable, stratified, retrieved, yielding, 【제목키워드】 COVID-19, assessment, basic reproductive number,