Serological prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibody among children and young age (between age 2-17 years) group in India: An interim result from a large multi-centric population-based seroepidemiological study

Misra, P.; AIIMS, WHO Unity Seroprevalence study team of

Background: Concern has been raised in India regarding the probable third wave of COVID-19 where children and young age group is thought to get affected the most. There is a lack of serological prevalence data in this age group. We have some interim data from our research for WHO unity protocol, which might help policymakers and the research community to answer such questions based on evidence. Hence, we conducted a study to compare the COVID -19 sero-positivity rate between children and adults Methods/Materials: This is part of an ongoing large multi-centric population-based sero-surveillance study. The study is being conducted in five selected states with a proposed total sample size of 10,000. We have data of 4,500 participants at the time of midterm analysis from four states of India. Total serum antibody against SARS-CoV-2 virus was assessed qualitatively by using a standard ELISA kit. Here we are reporting the interim data of serological prevalence among children aged between 2 to 17 years along with a comparison with [≥]18-year old participants. Results: The data collection period was from 15th March 2021 to 10th June 2021. Total available data was of 4,509 participants out of which <18 years were 700 and [≥]18 years was 3,809. The site-wise number of available data among the 2-17 year age group were 92, 189, 165, 146 and 108 for the site of Delhi urban resettlement colony, Delhi rural (Villages in Faridabad district under Delhi NCR), Bhubaneswar rural, Gorakhpur rural and Agartala rural area respectively. The seroprevalence was 55.7% in the <18 years age group and 63.5% in the [≥] 18 year age group. There was no statistically significant difference in prevalence between adult and children. Conclusion: SARS-CoV-2 sero-positivity rate among children was high and were comparable to the adult population. Hence, it is unlikely that any future third wave by prevailing COVID-19 variant would disproportionately affect children two years or older.