Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 26, 2025
Dynamic Monitoring of Seroconversion using a Multianalyte Immunobead Assay for Covid-19
Published on: February 16, 2022
Anti_spike and anti_nucleocapsid IgG responses to SARS-CoV-2 in children of Jordan
Arwa Qaqish1,2, Manal Mohammad Abbas3, Mohammad Alkhateeb4
1Department of Biology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, The Hashemite University, Zarqa, Jordan.
Insights
Children show robust humoral immunity against COVID-19, with higher anti-spike (anti-S) antibody levels than adults. Age significantly impacts antibody responses in pediatric populations, informing targeted immunization strategies.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Virology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Children generally experience milder COVID-19 compared to adults.
- Immunological factors contribute to age-related protection against SARS-CoV-2.
- Pediatric COVID-19 cases in Jordan are significantly underreported.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine anti-spike (anti-S) and anti-nucleocapsid (anti-N) antibody responses in Jordanian children.
- To compare these antibody responses with those in naturally infected, unvaccinated adults.
Main Methods:
- Screened 151 unvaccinated children (4 days to 18 years) for anti-S and anti-N IgG antibodies.
- Collected data on COVID-19 infection history, exposure, and symptom severity via parental questionnaires.
Main Results:
- Seropositivity rates for anti-S IgG and anti-N IgG were 78.9% and 65.3%, respectively.
- Higher antibody titers were observed in children aged 12 years and older.
- Children had significantly higher anti-S titers than adults, while adults had higher anti-N titers.
Conclusions:
- Children exhibit strong and persistent humoral immunity post-COVID-19 infection.
- Age is a key factor influencing antibody levels in pediatric SARS-CoV-2 infections.
- Findings support age-targeted strategies for pediatric immunization and population protection.
Background:
It is proven that children have significantly milder COVID-19 disease compared to adults. Various immunological characteristics influence this age-related difference in protection against COVID-19. Pediatric COVID-19 in Jordan is extremely under reported.
Objectives:
The primary goal of this work is to identify the anti_S and anti_N antibody responses in a random group of children in Jordan and compare it to that of naturally infected-unvaccinated adults.
Methods:
151 unvaccinated children, 4 days to 18 years old, were screened for anti_S and anti_N antibodies. History of COVID-19 infection or exposure to infection and symptom severity were reported by parents on a special questionnaire.
Results:
78.9 % and 65.3 % of participants were seropositive for anti_S IgG and anti_N Abs, respectively. There was a remarkable association between age and anti_S IgG and anti_N IgG antibody titers, as children aged 12 years or older had increased anti_S IgG titers (mean = 19.3 BAU/mL) compared to younger groups (means of 10.15, 9.24, 7.91 BAU/mL for age groups 6-12, 1-6, less than 1 year, respectively). Gender did not show a statistically important role in anti_S and anti_N IgG seropositivity rates or titers. Children displayed significantly elevated anti_S titers (mean = 13.23 BAU/mL) compared to naturally infected adults (mean = 9.72 BAU/mL), in contrast, adults' anti_N titers (mean = 39.64 U/mL) were significantly higher compared to those of children (mean = 10.77 U/mL).
Conclusions:
The current work provides evidence of distinctly robust and persistent humoral immunity displayed by high anti_S and anti_N IgG in children, even >12 months post-infection. Age was the only factor that had a significant statistical impact on anti_S and anti_N Ab levels among the pediatric group in this study. Children exhibited significantly higher anti_S titers than naturally infected adults. In contrast, adults' anti_N titers were significantly higher. Such information can assist direct pediatric SARS-CoV-2 immunization programs, with implications for creating age-targeted strategies for diagnostic and population protection measures.
More Related Videos
09:37Detection of Polyfunctional T Cells in Children Vaccinated with Japanese Encephalitis Vaccine via the Flow Cytometry Technique
Published on: September 23, 2022
08:07Author Spotlight: Advancing Antiviral Strategies Through Novel Immunocapture and Mass Spectrometry Techniques
Published on: January 12, 2024
