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Shedding of infectious SARS-CoV-2 in two asymptomatic children

Noelia S Reyes1, Pamela E Rodriguez1, Carmen Ricarte1

  • 1Centro de Educación Médica e Investigaciones Clínicas (CEMIC), Buenos Aires. Argentina.

Medicina
|April 24, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Asymptomatic children can transmit SARS-CoV-2, shedding viable virus for over 17 days. This highlights the need to consider children as potential sources of infection, even without symptoms, during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Pediatrics

Background:

  • Asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infections are crucial for pandemic spread.
  • Limited data exists on viral shedding in children with asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2.
  • Understanding transmission dynamics in children is vital.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate viral shedding and viability in asymptomatic children infected with SARS-CoV-2.
  • To identify SARS-CoV-2 variants in infected children.
  • To assess the duration of viable virus shedding in pediatric asymptomatic cases.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective follow-up of two asymptomatic children from an infected household.
  • RT-PCR and virus isolation from saliva samples to detect viable SARS-CoV-2.
  • Sequencing for variant identification and ELISA for antibody detection.

Main Results:

  • Both children were asymptomatic but SARS-CoV-2 positive.
  • Viable SARS-CoV-2 was isolated from saliva, with one child shedding for at least 17 days.
  • Infection involved the B.1.1.28.1 (Gamma) lineage; anti-Spike IgG antibodies were detected.

Conclusions:

  • Asymptomatic children can shed viable SARS-CoV-2 beyond the recommended 10-day isolation period.
  • Children without symptoms may be significant, underestimated sources of SARS-CoV-2 transmission.
  • Findings underscore the importance of considering pediatric asymptomatic cases in pandemic control strategies.

Keywords:
COVID-19SARS-CoV-2asymptomaticpediatricviral shedding

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