Factors associated with elevated SARS-CoV-2 immune response in children and adolescents.

Background: Understanding the distinct immunologic responses to SARS-CoV-2 infection among pediatric populations is pivotal in navigating the COVID-19 pandemic and informing future public health strategies. This study aimed to identify factors associated with heightened antibody responses in children and adolescents to identify potential unique immune dynamics in this population. Methods: Data collected between July and December 2023 from the Texas Coronavirus Antibody REsponse Survey (Texas CARES), a statewide prospective population-based antibody survey among 1-to-19-year-old participants, were analyzed. Each participant had the following data available for analysis: (1) Roche Elecsys® Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Immunoassay for Nucleocapsid protein antibodies (Roche N-test), (2) qualitative and semi-quantitative detection of antibodies to the SARS CoV-2 spike protein receptor binding domain (Roche S-test), and (3) self-reported antigen/PCR COVID-19 test results, vaccination, and health status. Statistical analysis identified associations between participant characteristics and spike antibody quartile group. Results: The analytical sample consisted of 411 participants (mean age 12.2 years, 50.6% female). Spike antibody values ranged from a low of 6.3 U/ml in the lowest quartile to a maximum of 203,132.0 U/ml in the highest quartile in the aggregate sample. Older age at test date (OR = 1.22, 95% CI: 1.12, 1.35, p < .001) and vaccination status (primary series/partially vaccinated, one or multiple boosters) showed significantly higher odds of being in the highest spike antibody quartile compared to younger age and unvaccinated status. Conversely, fewer days since the last immunity challenge showed decreased odds (OR = 0.98, 95% CI: 0.96, 0.99, p = 0.002) of being in the highest spike antibody quartile vs. more days since last immunity challenge. Additionally, one out of every three COVID-19 infections were asymptomatic. Conclusions: Older age, duration since the last immunity challenge (vaccine or infection), and vaccination status were associated with heightened spike antibody responses, highlighting the nuanced immune dynamics in the pediatric population. A significant proportion of children/adolescents continue to have asymptomatic infection, which has important public health implications.

Comparison of Antimicrobial Efficacy of Cinnamon Bark Oil Incorporated and Probiotic Blend Incorporated Mucoadhesive Patch against Salivary Streptococcus mutans in Caries Active 7-10-year-old Children: An In Vivo Study.

INTRODUCTION: Among the various plants studied, cinnamon has emerged as a potential herbal antimicrobial agent. Besides the medicinal plants, recently probiotics have also been recognized to affect cinnamon bark oil Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) and other harmful oral and gut microflora. AIM AND OBJECTIVE: This placebo-controlled study aims to compare the antimicrobial potential of cinnamon bark oil incorporated and probiotic blend [Lactobacillus plantarum (TSP-Lp1), and Lactobacillus rhamnosus (TSP-Lrh1)] incorporated mucoadhesive patch against salivary S. mutans in caries active 7-10-year-old children. DESIGN: It was a double-blinded placebo-controlled study with n = 60. They were randomly allotted into three groups-Group I: Cinnamon patch, group II: probiotic patch, and group III: control patch (placebo) with n = 20 in each group. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was carried out in three phases. In the first phase, the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of cinnamon bark oil was determined against S. mutans followed by the formulation of cinnamon and probiotic patches. After a washout period of 2 weeks and a collection of baseline saliva samples, these patches were tested on the subjects from respective groups for 14 days with twice a day placement protocol. On the 15th day, saliva samples were collected and cultured, CFU/mL of the saliva of S. mutans for each subject was recorded and compared with baseline samples. Feedback in the form of a questionnaire was obtained from the patients. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Descriptive statistics, paired t-test for intragroup comparison, unpaired t-test for intergroup comparison, analysis of variance (ANOVA) for intergroup comparison, and post hoc Scheffe's. RESULTS: The results showed that both cinnamon patch and probiotic patch were comparable to each other in terms of their anti-S. mutans activity. The intragroup comparison of the CFU/mL count showed a highly significant reduction from baseline to post-intervention for both the groups (p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: Both cinnamon and probiotic blend have a strong antimicrobial property owing to their ability to cause significant reduction in salivary S. mutans and both the patches showed good patient acceptance. HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: Gandhi HA, Srilatha KT, Deshmukh S, et al. Comparison of Antimicrobial Efficacy of Cinnamon Bark Oil Incorporated and Probiotic Blend Incorporated Mucoadhesive Patch against Salivary Streptococcus mutans in Caries Active 7-10-year-old Children: An In Vivo Study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2020;13(5):543-550.