ABSTRACT
Cross-reactive cellular and humoral immunity can substantially contribute to antiviral defense against SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VOC). While the adult SARS-CoV-2 cellular and humoral immunity and its cross-recognition potential against VOC is broadly analyzed, similar data regarding the pediatric population are missing. In this study, we perform an analysis of the humoral and cellular SARS-CoV-2 response immune of 32 convalescent COVID-19 children (children), 27 convalescent vaccinated adults(C+V+) and 7 unvaccinated convalescent adults (C+V-). SARS-CoV-2 reactive T cell response is analyzed via multiparametric flowcytometry and humoral immunity is addressed via pseudovirus neutralization assay. Similarly to adults, a significant reduction of cross-reactive neutralizing capacity against delta and omicron VOC was observed 6 months after SARS-CoV-2 infection. While SAR-CoV-2 neutralizing capacity was comparable among children and C+V- against all VOC, children demonstrated as expected an inferior humoral response when compared to C+V+. Nevertheless, children generated SARS-CoV-2 reactive T cells with broad cross-recognition potential. When compared to V+C+, children presented even comparable frequencies of WT-reactive CD4+ and CD8+ T cells with high avidity. Our results suggest that following SARS-CoV-2 infection children generate a humoral SARS-CoV-2 response with neutralizing potential comparable to unvaccinated COVID-19 convalescent adults as well a sustained SARS-CoV-2 cellular response cross-reactive to VOC. Key statement Following SARS-CoV-2 infection children generate a humoral SARS-CoV-2 response with neutralizing potential comparable to unvaccinated COVID-19 convalescent adults as well a sustained robust SARS-CoV-2 cellular response cross-reactive to VOC, comparable to vaccinated convalescent adults.
Subject(s)
COVID-19ABSTRACT
ObjectiveTo compare the number of accident- and injury-related admissions to pediatric intensive care units (PICU) during the first German COVID-19 lockdown with previous years. To investigate if shifts in types of accidents or injuries occurred, especially regarding non-accidental injuries. DesignRetrospective observational multicenter study. Setting37 German PICUs. Patients1444 children and adolescents < 18 years admitted to German PICUs due to trauma or injuries during the first German lockdown period (16.3.-31.5.2020) and during the same periods of the years 2017-2019. InterventionsNone. Measurements and main resultsStandardized morbidity ratios (SMR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated for the severity of disease, admission reasons, types of accidents, injury patterns, surgeries and procedures, and outcomes. Disease severity did not differ from previous years. We found an increase in ingestions (SMR 1.41 (CI 0.88 - 2.16)) and a decrease in aspirations (0.77 (0.41 - 1.32)) and burns (0.82 (0.59 - 1.12)). The total number of admissions for trauma remained constant, but traffic accidents (0.76 (0.56 - 1.01) and school/kindergarten accidents (0.25 (0.05 - 0.74) decreased. Household (1.32 (1.05 - 1.64)) and leisure accidents (1.32 (1.05 - 1.65)) increased. Injured structures did not change, but less neurosurgeries (0.69 (0.42 - 1.07)) and more visceral surgeries (2.00 (1.14 - 3.24)) were performed. Non-accidental non-suicidal injuries declined (0.85 (0.50 - 1.37)). Suicide attempts increased in adolescent boys (1.57 (0.58 - 3.42)), while there was a decrease in adolescent girls (0.86 (0.53 - 1.31)). ConclusionsOur study showed shifts in trauma types and associated surgeries during the lockdown period that are generally in line with current literature. The decreased number of non-accidental non-suicidal injuries we observed does not suggest a fundamental increase in severe child abuse during the lockdown period. The decrease in suicide attempts among adolescent girls confirms previous findings, while the increase among boys has not been described yet and deserves further investigation.