Faculty, Staff and Student Publications
Publication Date
8-15-2024
Journal
Frontiers in Pediatrics
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Understanding the distinct immunologic responses to SARS-CoV-2 infection among pediatric populations is pivotal in navigating the COVID-19 pandemic and informing future public health strategies. This study aimed to identify factors associated with heightened antibody responses in children and adolescents to identify potential unique immune dynamics in this population.
METHODS: Data collected between July and December 2023 from the Texas Coronavirus Antibody REsponse Survey (Texas CARES), a statewide prospective population-based antibody survey among 1-to-19-year-old participants, were analyzed. Each participant had the following data available for analysis: (1) Roche Elecsys® Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Immunoassay for Nucleocapsid protein antibodies (Roche N-test), (2) qualitative and semi-quantitative detection of antibodies to the SARS CoV-2 spike protein receptor binding domain (Roche S-test), and (3) self-reported antigen/PCR COVID-19 test results, vaccination, and health status. Statistical analysis identified associations between participant characteristics and spike antibody quartile group.
RESULTS: The analytical sample consisted of 411 participants (mean age 12.2 years, 50.6% female). Spike antibody values ranged from a low of 6.3 U/ml in the lowest quartile to a maximum of 203,132.0 U/ml in the highest quartile in the aggregate sample. Older age at test date (OR = 1.22, 95% CI: 1.12, 1.35,
CONCLUSIONS: Older age, duration since the last immunity challenge (vaccine or infection), and vaccination status were associated with heightened spike antibody responses, highlighting the nuanced immune dynamics in the pediatric population. A significant proportion of children/adolescents continue to have asymptomatic infection, which has important public health implications.
Keywords
SARS-CoV-2, children, adolescents, immune response, epidemiology
DOI
10.3389/fped.2024.1393321
PMID
39228441
PMCID
PMC11369978
PubMedCentral® Posted Date
8-15-2024
PubMedCentral® Full Text Version
Post-print
Published Open-Access
yes
Included in
Biochemical Phenomena, Metabolism, and Nutrition Commons, Biological Phenomena, Cell Phenomena, and Immunity Commons, Clinical Epidemiology Commons, Community Health and Preventive Medicine Commons, COVID-19 Commons, Epidemiology Commons, Pediatrics Commons