Seroepidemiological Investigation of SARS-CoV-۲ Infection among Asymptomatic Children in Tehran

Background and Aim : COVID-۱۹ is an emerging infectious disease; however, there is little data about the infection, disease severity and its relationship to demographic characteristics in children. In current study, a seroepidemiological survey was done to show infection rate among asymptomatic children in Tehran.Methods : In this investigation, children younger than ۱۴ years old who had referred to laboratories during invitation through Snapp urban transportation system, public health centers, and outpatients’ admission units of private and governmental clinics during autumn, winter, spring and summer entered to the study. Blood samples were collected in gel clotted tubes, and related sera were preserved for measurement of IgG antibody ratio against SARS-CoV-۲ using EUROIMMUN ELISA kit. Demographic information and infection status in participants were reported by completing questionnaires and the relationship between variables were examined by statistical analysis.Results : Out of ۱۱۴۲ blood samples collected from children with no common COVID-۱۹ symptoms, history of SARS-CoV-۲ infection was detected in ۳۳.۳% of them (۳۸۱/۱۱۴۲). Borderline status was characterized among ۳.۵% (۴۰/۱۱۴۲) of the samples. The infection rate was higher among children lower than six years old in compare to other age groups. Conclusion : Results of this study showed that SARS-CoV-۲ infection can occur in children, which could be without common symptoms. Restriction of children from contact with family members who are at increasing risk of the infection is recommended during the pandemic to reduce its secondary transmission.

کلیدواژه ها:

ELISA ، COVID-۱۹ ، Immunoglobulin G ، SARS-CoV-۲ ، Antibody ratio