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Erschienen in:
28.09.2022 | COVID-19 | Original Article
Variation in SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence in children in the region of Asturias, Northern Spain
Erschienen in: World Journal of Pediatrics | Ausgabe 12/2022
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Background
Updated seroprevalence estimates are important to describe the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) landscape and to guide public health decisions. The aims are to describe longitudinal changes in seroprevalence in children in a region in Northern Spain and to analyze factors associated with SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity.
Methods
Prospective multicenter longitudinal study with subjects recruited from July to September 2020. Children (up to 14 years old) were included and followed up until September 2021. Venous blood samples were collected every six months during three testing rounds and were analyzed for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. The data regarding epidemiological features, contact tracing, symptoms, and virological tests were collected. The evolution of SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence during the study and the differences between children with positive and negative SARS-CoV-2 antibody tests were analyzed.
Results
Two hundred children were recruited (50.5% girls, median age 9.7 years). The overall seroprevalence increased from round 1 [1.5%, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.3%–4.3%] to round 2 (9.1%, 95% CI 4.6%–12.7%) and round 3 (16.6%, 95% CI 9.5%–19.6%) (P < 0.001). Main changes occurred in children aged zero to four years (P = 0.001) who lived in urban areas (P < 0.001). None of the children who were previously positive became seronegative. Following multivariable analysis, three variables independently associated with SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity were identified: close contact with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) confirmed or suspected cases [odds ratio (OR) = 3.9, 95% CI 1.2–12.5], previous positive virological test (OR = 17.1, 95% CI 3.7–78.3) and fatigue (OR = 18.1, 95% CI 1.7–193.4).
Conclusions
SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence in children has remarkably increased during the time of our study. Fatigue was the only COVID-19-compatible symptom that was more frequent in seropositive than in seronegative children.