Infection-induced seroconversion and seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 among a cohort of children and youth in Montreal, Canada

Influenza Other Respir Viruses. 2023 Aug 25;17(8):e13186. doi: 10.1111/irv.13186. eCollection 2023 Aug.

Abstract

The EnCORE study is a prospective serology study of SARS-CoV-2 in a cohort of children from Montreal, Canada. Based on data from our fourth round of data collection (May-October 2022), we estimated SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence and seroconversion. Using multivariable regression, we identified factors associated with seroconversion. Our results show that previously seronegative children were approximately 9-12 times more likely to seroconvert during the early Omicron-dominant period compared to pre-Omicron rounds. Unlike the pre-Omicron rounds, the adjusted rate of seroconversion among 2- to 4-year-olds was higher than older age groups. As seen previously, higher seroconversion rates were associated with ethnic/racial minority status.

Keywords: Canada; SARS‐CoV‐2; adolescents; children; seroconversion; seroprevalence.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Aged
  • COVID-19* / epidemiology
  • Canada / epidemiology
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Humans
  • Prospective Studies
  • SARS-CoV-2*
  • Seroconversion
  • Seroepidemiologic Studies