Title: Virologic features of SARS-CoV-2 infection in children.

Authors: Yonker, Lael M; Boucau, Julie; Regan, James; Choudhary, Manish C; Burns, Madeleine D; Young, Nicola; Farkas, Eva J; Davis, Jameson P; Moschovis, Peter P; Kinane, T Bernard; Fasano, Alessio; Neilan, Anne M; Li, Jonathan Z; Barczak, Amy K

Published In medRxiv, (2021 Aug 17)

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. 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. 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. 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.

PubMed ID: 34124714

MeSH Terms: No MeSH terms associated with this publication