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Virologic features of SARS-CoV-2 infection in children.
- Source :
-
MedRxiv : the preprint server for health sciences [medRxiv] 2021 Aug 17. Date of Electronic Publication: 2021 Aug 17. - Publication Year :
- 2021
-
Abstract
- Background: Data on pediatric COVID-19 has lagged behind adults throughout the pandemic. An understanding of SARS-CoV-2 viral dynamics in children would enable data-driven public health guidance.<br />Methods: Respiratory swabs were collected from children with COVID-19. Viral load was quantified by RT-PCR; viral culture was assessed by direct observation of cytopathic effects and semiquantitative viral titers. Correlations with age, symptom duration, and disease severity were analyzed. SARS-CoV-2 whole genome sequences were compared with contemporaneous sequences.<br />Results: 110 children with COVID-19 (median age 10 years, range 2 weeks-21 years) were included in this study. Age did not impact SARS-CoV-2 viral load. Children were most infectious within the first five days of illness, and severe disease did not correlate with increased viral loads. Pediatric SARS-CoV-2 sequences were representative of those in the community and novel variants were identified.<br />Conclusions: Symptomatic and asymptomatic children can carry high quantities of live, replicating SARS-CoV-2, creating a potential reservoir for transmission and evolution of genetic variants. As guidance around social distancing and masking evolves following vaccine uptake in older populations, a clear understanding of SARS-CoV-2 infection dynamics in children is critical for rational development of public health policies and vaccination strategies to mitigate the impact of COVID-19.<br />Competing Interests: Conflicts of Interest The authors do not report any conflicts of interest.
Details
- Language :
- English
- Database :
- MEDLINE
- Journal :
- MedRxiv : the preprint server for health sciences
- Accession number :
- 34124714
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1101/2021.05.30.21258086