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A retrospective study of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in children with allergies
Yuri Takaoka1,2, Yosuke Baba1,2, Shun Toriumi2
1Department of Pediatrics, Juntendo University Shizuoka Hospital, Shizuoka, Japan.
Insights
Antibody prevalence against SARS-CoV-2 in pediatric allergy patients was low but increased over time. Most infections were subclinical, with higher prevalence in school-aged children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Allergy and Immunology
- Infectious Diseases Epidemiology
Background:
- Dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 infection in children are evolving.
- Assessing SARS-CoV-2 antibody prevalence in pediatric allergy patients is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in children with allergy.
- To evaluate changes in antibody levels over a one-year period.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective study of 310 children (<11 years) with allergy complaints.
- Qualitative testing for anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG and IgM antibodies.
- Follow-up testing after one year to assess antibody level changes.
Main Results:
- 32 patients (10.3%) tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies.
- Higher antibody prevalence observed in preschool/school-aged children (OR: 13.19).
- Antibody positivity rate increased over the study period, independent of allergy severity.
Conclusions:
- Low but increasing SARS-CoV-2 antibody prevalence in pediatric allergy patients.
- Most positive cases were subclinical, without a prior COVID-19 diagnosis.
- School/preschool enrollment is associated with higher antibody prevalence.
Background:
The dynamics of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection in children are continually changing. We conducted a survey of pediatric allergy patients attending our department to determine the prevalence of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 in children.
Methods:
A retrospective study was performed among children aged <11 years, referred to a pediatric allergy department between February 2020 and January 2022 with a chief complaint of allergy. The data of children with blood examination findings were retrospectively studied. Qualitative testing for anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG and IgM antibodies was performed using a SARS-CoV-2 rapid antibody test. Participants were retested 1 year later to evaluate changes in antibody levels.
Results:
In total, 310 patients with a median age of 26 months (interquartile range: 11.6-58.4 months) and male/female ratio of 1.31 were included. A total of 32 patients tested positive for anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG or IgM antibodies. No differences were observed in the severity of allergic disease. The prevalence of antibodies was higher among children enrolled in preschool or school (odds ratio: 13.19, 95% confidence interval; 2.30-249.7). A total of 66.7% of patients underwent follow-up testing. The antibody positivity rate increased between the first and second testing, but this was not related to the number of medical visits or the severity of allergic disease.
Conclusion:
Antibody prevalence in children was low but increased during the study period. The majority of children who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies did not have a history of coronavirus disease 2019, suggesting that most infections were subclinical.
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