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Prevalence of SARS-CoV-2-Antibodies in Danish Children and Adults
Maren J H Rytter1,2, Ulrikka Nygaard2,3, Ida Nikoline Mandic1
1From the Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Slagelse Sygehus.
Insights
In Denmark, a study found similar low rates of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection in children and adult blood donors in June 2020. Antibody prevalence was 1.6% in children and 2.0% in adults.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
- Immunology
Background:
- The prevalence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infections in pediatric populations during the early stages of the pandemic remains an important area of research.
- Understanding differential infection rates between age groups is crucial for public health strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess and compare the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in children and adult blood donors in Denmark.
- To determine if children experienced similar low-level SARS-CoV-2 exposure as the general adult population.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study was conducted in Denmark in June 2020.
- Point-of-care testing was utilized to detect SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in 1033 children attending pediatric departments and 750 adult blood donors.
Main Results:
- Antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 were detected in 1.6% of the children studied.
- A comparable seroprevalence of 2.0% was observed in the adult blood donor group.
- The difference in antibody detection between children and adults was not statistically significant (P = 0.58).
Conclusions:
- Children and adults in Denmark were infected with SARS-CoV-2 to a similar, low degree during the study period.
- The findings suggest comparable population-level exposure to the virus across these demographic groups in the assessed timeframe.
Abstract:
In Denmark, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 antibodies were assessed in a cross-sectional study among 1033 children visiting pediatric departments and 750 blood donors in June 2020, using a point-of-care test. Antibodies were detected in 17 children (1.6%) and 15 blood donors (2.0%) (P = 0.58). In conclusion, children and adults were infected to a similar low degree.
