Seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 in self-reported COVID-19-free children.
J Microbiol Immunol Infect
; 57(4): 546-553, 2024 Aug.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-38777654
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION:
COVID-19 poses risks and leads to complications for vulnerable populations, including children. Unreported cases of COVID-19 among children hinder our understanding of the true disease burden. In this study, we aimed to investigate the proportion of children who report no prior infection to SARS-CoV-2 but who nevertheless exhibit serological evidence of prior infection.METHODS:
Between November 2022 and February 2023, we recruited children and adolescents under 19 years of age who lacked a prior history of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Participants underwent SARS-CoV-2 antibody testing to assess the presence of IgG antibodies specific to nucleocapsid (N) and spike (S) proteins. Demographic and contact information were also collected.RESULTS:
Among 260 COVID-19-free children, the overall anti-N antibody positivity rate, which varied across age groups (4%-25%), was 9.2% (24/260). Contact with individuals who were positive for COVID-19, particularly the children's mothers, significantly increased the likelihood of antibody positivity. The median age of the 34 children who remained unvaccinated against COVID-19 was lower than that of the children who were vaccinated (6.5 vs. 9 years; p < 0.001). Until January 2024, the overall infection rate was 41.9% (99/236) among children who were negative for anti-N antibodies, irrespective of vaccination status or the presence of chronic disease.CONCLUSION:
We discovered previously undisclosed cases of SARS-CoV-2 infection among children. The risk of seropositivity increases substantially with household contact. Regarding children who report no prior exposure to COVID-19, clinicians must remain vigilant, as SARS-CoV-2 remains a concern.Palabras clave
Texto completo:
1
Colección:
01-internacional
Base de datos:
MEDLINE
Asunto principal:
Inmunoglobulina G
/
SARS-CoV-2
/
COVID-19
/
Anticuerpos Antivirales
Límite:
Adolescent
/
Child
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Child, preschool
/
Female
/
Humans
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Infant
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Male
Idioma:
En
Revista:
J Microbiol Immunol Infect
Asunto de la revista:
ALERGIA E IMUNOLOGIA
/
MICROBIOLOGIA
Año:
2024
Tipo del documento:
Article
País de afiliación:
Taiwán
Pais de publicación:
Reino Unido