Long-Term Persistence of Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Antibodies in a Pediatric Population.

BACKGROUND

Antibody dynamics over time after SARS-CoV-2 infection are still unclear, and data regarding children are scarce.

METHODS

A prospective cohort study was performed including children infected by SARS-CoV-2 between March and May 2020. Patients were categorized into 3 groups: children admitted with COVID-19; outpatient children with mild COVID-19; and seropositive children participating in a seroprevalence study among cohabitants of infected healthcare workers (HCWs). Six months after the infection, a new serological control was performed.

RESULTS

A total of 58 children were included, 50% male (median age 8.3 [IQR 2.8-13.5] years). The median time between the two serological studies was 186 (IQR 176-192) days, and 86% (48/56) of the children maintained positive IgG six months after the infection. This percentage was 100% in admitted patients and 78% among the rest of the included children ( = 0.022). The diagnoses of lower respiratory tract infection and multisystemic inflammatory syndrome were associated with persistence of IgG ( = 0.035). The children of HCWs in the seroprevalence study lost antibodies more often ( = 0.017). Initial IgG titers of the children who remained positive six months after the infection were significantly higher ( = 0.008).

CONCLUSIONS

Most children infected by SARS-CoV-2 maintain a positive serological response six months after the infection. Those children who lost their IgG titer were more frequently asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic, presenting with low antibody titers after the infection.