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Updated: Jul 16, 2025
Dynamic Monitoring of Seroconversion using a Multianalyte Immunobead Assay for Covid-19
Published on: February 16, 2022
SARS-CoV-2 seroconversion in children attending daycare versus adults in Germany between October 2020 and June 2021
Ulrike Kubisch1, Anna Sandoni2, Juliane Wurm2
1Department of Epidemiology and Health Monitoring, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany. kubischu@rki.de.
Insights
Young children show higher SARS-CoV-2 seroconversion rates than adults. High viral load and delayed antibody testing correlate with seroconversion, suggesting antibody development in children post-infection.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric infectious diseases
- Immunology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Limited data exists on SARS-CoV-2 seroconversion rates in children under six.
- This study addresses the scarcity of information by comparing seroconversion in young children and adults.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare SARS-CoV-2 seroconversion rates between young children and adults.
- To identify factors associated with seroconversion in SARS-CoV-2 infected individuals.
Main Methods:
- The COALA study analyzed SARS-CoV-2 transmission in daycare centers and households.
- PCR-positive individuals (n=91, including 38 children aged 1-6) had IgG-antibodies tested from two blood samples collected within five weeks.
Main Results:
- Seroconversion rates were significantly higher in young children (97.4%) compared to adults (66%).
- Higher viral load and a longer interval between infection and antibody testing were associated with seroconversion.
Conclusions:
- Young children exhibit substantial specific antibody development following SARS-CoV-2 infection.
- This antibody response may offer temporary protection against reinfection or severe disease in this age group.
Background:
Data on seroconversion rates after SARS-CoV-2 infection in young children (<6 years) is scarce. The present study compares seroconversion rates between young children and adults and identifies associated factors.
Methods:
The COALA study ("Corona-outbreak-related examinations in daycare centers") investigated transmission dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 in daycare centers and associated households (10/2020-06/2021). 114 individuals tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 through PCR either prior to the study period by health authorities or in PCR testing during the study period. Two capillary blood samples were obtained within five weeks consecutively and tested for SARS-CoV-2 IgG-antibodies (second sampling depending on positive PCR). Results from 91 participants (38 young children 1-6 years, 53 adults) were included in the analyses.
Results:
Seroconversion rate in young children is significantly higher than in adults (97.4% versus 66%). High viral load and longer time interval between the probable date of infection and antibody testing are associated with seroconversion.
Conclusions:
Our findings depict substantial development of specific antibodies in young children after SARS-CoV-2 infection. This may provide temporary protection from re-infection for young children or severe disease for this age group.
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