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Published on: November 5, 2021
[Prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 in children from a cohort of 2192 patients]
M Meyer1, E Rübsteck1, C Lehmann2
1Medizinische Fakultät und Uniklinik Köln, Klinik und Poliklinik für Kinder- und Jugendmedizin, Universität zu Köln, Kerpener Str. 62, 50924 Köln, Deutschland.
Insights
This study found that 1.7% of children tested in Germany had SARS-CoV-2 infections, with most cases being mild or asymptomatic. These findings confirm that pediatric COVID-19 cases often present with less severe symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric infectious diseases
- Virology
- Epidemiology
Context:
- As of June 18, 2020, Germany reported over 187,000 SARS-CoV-2 cases, with 6.9% in individuals under 19.
- Initial observations suggested children often present with asymptomatic or milder SARS-CoV-2 infections.
- Understanding pediatric COVID-19 prevalence is crucial for public health strategies.
Purpose:
- To determine the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infections in a pediatric cohort in Germany.
- To characterize the clinical presentation and severity of COVID-19 in children.
Summary:
- A retrospective analysis included 2192 children tested for SARS-CoV-2 between March 13 and June 18, 2020.
- 37 children (1.7%) tested positive; 36 were suspected cases, and 28 were symptomatic (dry cough, runny nose, fever).
- Three children required hospitalization, but none had severe disease; 3/505 at-risk children had asymptomatic/mild infections.
Impact:
- This study confirms that children and adolescents frequently experience asymptomatic or mild courses of SARS-CoV-2 infection.
- Findings suggest no significant underestimation of SARS-CoV-2 infections in this regional pediatric population.
- Results contribute to the understanding of pediatric COVID-19 epidemiology and clinical outcomes.
Background:
As of 18 June 2020 a total of 187,764 severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infections were reported in Germany and of these 6.9% were under the age of 19 years. There were initial indications that children are often asymptomatic and show a milder clinical course.
Objective:
The aim of this study was to gain information on the prevalence of SARS-CoV‑2 infections in a pediatric cohort.
Material And Methods:
Between 13 March and 18 June 2020 all children from whom a smear for SARS-CoV‑2 was taken either to rule out an infection or as a suspected case were included. Data were collected on standardized patient record sheets. The analysis of data was anonymized and retrospective.
Results:
During the given period 2192 children were investigated and 37 patients tested positive (1.7%) for SARS-CoV‑2. Of these 36/37 were suspected cases and 28/37 were symptomatic. The leading symptoms were dry cough, runny nose and fever and three children had to be hospitalized. None showed a difficult course of the disease. Among those tested 505 were patients at risk due to an underlying chronic disease, 3 of whom (0.6%) were tested positive with an asymptomatic or mild course.
Conclusion:
We can confirm the first data showing that children and adolescents often have an asymptomatic or mild clinical course of infection or disease. We found no evidence of a high grey area of SARS-CoV‑2 infections in this regional pediatric cohort.
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