Continuous monitoring of SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence in children using residual blood samples from routine clinical chemistry
Author:
Wachter Felix1ORCID, Regensburger Adrian P.1, Antonia Sophia Peter 2, Knieling Ferdinand1, Wagner Alexandra L.1, Simon David3, Hoerning André1, Woelfle Joachim1, Überla Klaus2, Neubert Antje1, Rauh Manfred1
Affiliation:
1. Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine , Friedrich-Alexander-University (FAU) Erlangen-Nürnberg , Erlangen , Germany 2. Institute of Clinical and Molecular Virology , Friedrich-Alexander University (FAU) Erlangen-Nürnberg , Erlangen , Germany 3. Department of Internal Medicine 3 , Friedrich-Alexander University (FAU) Erlangen-Nürnberg , Erlangen , Germany
Abstract
Abstract
Objectives
The assessment of SARS-CoV-2 infections in children is still challenging, but essential for appropriate political decisions. The aim of this study was to investigate whether residual blood samples can be used for SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence monitoring in pediatrics.
Methods
In this repeated cross-sectional cohort study, anonymous residual blood samples from pediatric patients aged 0–17 years were collected in three time-periods (Oct.–Nov. 2020, April 2021, and June–July 2021) and analyzed for SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein (anti-S) and nucleocapsid (anti-N) antibodies using commercial antibody assays. 28 reactive samples were used to compare antibody levels with a pseudotyped neutralization assay. The results were further compared to the official national COVID-19 surveillance data to calculate the number of unreported cases.
Results
In total, n=2,626 individual blood samples were analyzed. In this unvaccinated pediatric cohort anti-S and anti-N antibody seroprevalence increased over the three time periods (anti-S: 1.38–9.16%, and 14.59%; anti-N: 1.26%, to 6.19%, and 8.56%). Compared to the national surveillance data this leads to a 3.93–5.66-fold increase in the number of unreported cases. However, a correlation between the cumulative incidence of the individual provinces and our assigned data was found (r=0.74, p=0.0151). In addition, reactive samples with anti-S and anti-N and samples with only anti-S showed neutralization capabilities (11/14 and 8/14, respectively). Anti-S levels were not significantly different between age groups and sexes (all p>0.05).
Conclusions
The present study suggests that residual blood samples from routine laboratory chemistry could be included in the estimation of the total SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence in children.
Funder
Interdisciplinary Center for Clinical Research Bayerisches Staatsministerium für Wissenschaft, Forschung und Kunst
Publisher
Walter de Gruyter GmbH
Subject
Biochemistry (medical),Clinical Biochemistry,General Medicine
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