Title:Utility of the Presence of Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Antibodies in Detecting
COVID-19 in Symptomatic Children and Adolescents: An Analytical
Cross-sectional Study
Volume: 20
Issue: 1
Author(s): Reza Sinaei, Kimia Iranmanesh*, Sara Pezeshki, Mohammad Hasannejad, Ali Hosseininasab, Saeedeh Parvaresh and Roya Sinaei
Affiliation:
- Endocrinology
and Metabolism Research Center, Institute of Basic and Clinical Physiology Science, Kerman University of Medical
Sciences, Kerman, Iran
Keywords:
COVID-19, serology, anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies, seropositivity, arthritis, limping, MIS-C.
Abstract:
Background: Understanding immunoreactivity against SARS-CoV-2 provides a basis
for the pathophysiology of COVID-19 while also providing a means to confirm the disease and reduce
its transmission.
Methods: The present cross-sectional study was conducted from February 1st, 2020 to December
30th, 2022. The patients’ characteristics, clinical and laboratory data, Polymerase Chain Reaction
(PCR) results, and the presence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies (serology testing) were recorded.
Results: A total of 182 children were included. PCR returned positive in 60.4%, while serology indicated
infection in 86.4% of the participants. Sex as a factor was not significantly associated with
the results of either of the tests. However, seropositive children were older (p < 0.001), while
PCR-positive children were younger (p < 0.01). Those who presented with cough (p < 0.05) or
Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome (MIS-C) (p < 0.05) had higher seropositivity rates than
those without. In contrast, those who presented with fever (p < 0.001) or seizures (p < 0.01) had
higher chances of having a positive PCR for COVID-19. In individuals suffering from arthralgia,
limping, or arthritis, positive serology was observed in 96.3%, 95.2%, and 96.9%, respectively.
However, positive results from PCR were observed in 67.2%, 67.1%, and 30.3% of the mentioned
individuals, respectively.
Conclusion: Anti-SARS-CoV-2 serology is a valuable diagnostic tool in individuals presenting
late with arthralgia, arthritis, limping, MIS-C, or other delayed presentations, especially when
PCR returns negative for the virus.
