Seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in children: a prospective multicentre cohort study

alkiviadis.1961 shared this article with you from Inoreader Seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in children: a prospective multicentre cohort study Via ADC Online First Background Studies based on molecular testing of oral/nasal swabs underestimate SARS-CoV-2 infection due to issues with test sensitivity, test timing and selection bias. The objective of this study was to report the presence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies, consistent with previous infection. Design This multicentre observational cohort study, conducted between 16 April to 3 July 2020 at 5 UK sites, recruited children of healthcare workers, aged 2–15 years. Participants provided blood samples for SARS-CoV-2 antib ody testing and data were gathered regarding unwell contacts and symptoms. Results 1007 participants were enrolled, and 992 were included in the final analysis. The median age of participants was 10·1 years. There were 68 (6.9%) participants with positive SARS-CoV-2 antibody tests indicative of previous SARS-CoV-2 infection. Of these, 34/68 (50%) reported no symptoms prior to testing. The presence of antibodies and the mean antibody titre was not influenced by age. Following multivariable analysis four independent variables were identified as significantly associated with SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity: known infected household contact OR=10.9 (95% CI 6.1 to 19.6); fatigue OR=16.8 (95% CI 5.5 to 51.9); gastrointestinal symptoms OR=6.6 (95% CI 3.0 to 13.8); and changes in sense of smell or taste OR=10.0 (95% CI 2.4 to 11.4). Discussion Children demonstrated similar antibody titres in response to SARS-CoV-2 irrespective of age. Fatigue, gastrointestinal symptoms and changes in s ense of smell or taste were the symptoms most strongly associated with SARS-CoV-1 antibody positivity. Trial registration number https://www.clinicaltrials.gov (trial registration: NCT0434740) on the 15 April 2020. View on the web Inoreader. Take back control of your news feed. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.