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Development of Multiplex Real-Time RT-qPCR Assays for the Detection of SARS-CoV-2, Influenza A/B, and MERS-CoV
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Impact of SARS-CoV-2 variants and demographic factors on COVID-19 severity in pediatric patients

Thomas T Barter1, Dejerianne Ostrow2, Carly Weaver1

  • 1Division of Infectious Disease, Children's Hospital of Los Angeles, 4650 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA, 90027, USA.

BMC Infectious Diseases
|July 17, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Pediatric COVID-19 severity is influenced by both viral variants like Omicron and host demographic factors. Understanding these interactions is key for tailored clinical management of children with SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Infectious Diseases
  • Virology
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Factors influencing pediatric COVID-19 severity are not fully understood.
  • Viral and host factors play a role in disease presentation.
  • Identifying these factors can improve clinical management strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To examine associations between SARS-CoV-2 variants, demographic factors, and COVID-19 severity in a pediatric population.
  • To understand how viral and host factors interact to affect disease severity.
  • To inform clinical approaches for managing pediatric COVID-19.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective cohort study of 14,292 pediatric patients (0-25 years) with SARS-CoV-2.
  • Whole genome sequencing used to identify viral variants in 48.6% of patients.
  • COVID-19 severity classified using WHO criteria; multinomial logistic regression used for analysis.

Main Results:

  • Omicron variant significantly increased odds of moderate and severe COVID-19 compared to pre-Omicron variants.
  • White patients showed lower odds of moderate and severe disease compared to non-White patients.
  • Significant age-race interactions influenced disease severity patterns across different racial groups.

Conclusions:

  • Both viral variants and host demographic factors significantly contribute to pediatric COVID-19 severity.
  • Understanding the interplay between viral and host factors is crucial.
  • A tailored approach to pediatric COVID-19 management should consider these interacting factors.
Abstract

Keywords:
COVID-19 SeverityGenome sequencingHealth disparitiesPatient demographicsPediatricsSARS-CoV-2Viral variants

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