Seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in schoolchildren in the city of São Paulo, 2020
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.11606/s1518-8787.2023057004782Keywords:
Child, Adolescent, COVID-19, epidemiology, SARS-CoV-2, Seroepidemiologic StudiesAbstract
OBJECTIVE: To estimate seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in schoolchildren aged 4 to 14 years living in the city of São Paulo, according to clinical, demographic, epidemiological, and social variables, during the school closure period as a measure against covid-19 spread. METHODS: A serological survey was made in September 2020 with a random sample stratified by school system (municipal public, state public and private) type. A venous blood sample was collected using the Wondfo SARS-CoV-2 Antibody Test (lateral flow method) for detection of total SARS-CoV-2 virus antibodies. Semi-structured questionnaires were applied to collect clinical, demographic, social, and epidemiological data. RESULTS: Seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in schoolchildren was of 16.6% (95%CI 15.4–17.8). The study found higher seroprevalence in the municipal (18.5%; 95%CI 16.6–20.6) and state (16.2%; 95%CI 14.4–18.2) public school systems compared to the private school system (11.7; 95%CI 10.0–13.7), among black and brown students (18.4%; 95%CI 16.8–20.2) and in the most vulnerable social stratum (18.5 %;95%CI 16.9–20.2). Lower seroprevalence was identified in schoolchildren who reported following the recommended protective measures against covid-19. CONCLUSION: Seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies is found mainly in the most socially vulnerable schoolchildren. This study can contribute to support public policies that reinforce the importance of suspending face-to-face classes and developing strategies aimed at protective measures and monitoring of the serological status of those who have not yet been included in the vaccination schedule.
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Copyright (c) 2023 Gabriela Akemi Kamioka, Geraldine Madalosso, José Olimpio Moura de Albuquerque, Selma Anequini Costa, Paula Bisordi Ferreira, Ana Paula Sayuri Sato, Paula Regina Glasser, Francisco Alberto Pino, Patrícia Carla Piragibe Ramos Burihan, Ana Carolina Aguiar de Carvalho, Ana Beatriz Pagliaro Amorim, Cinthya Luzia Cavazzana, Caroline Cotrim Aires, Ana Paula Arruda Geraldes Kataoka, Elisa San Martin Mouriz Savani, Thirsa Alvares Franco Bessa, Breno Souza de Aguiar, Marcelo Antunes Failla, Edson Aparecido dos Santos, Edjane Maria Torreão Brito, Maria Cristina Honório dos Santos, Luiz Artur Vieira Caldeira, Solange Maria Saboia e Silva, Luiz Carlos Zamarco, Sandra Maria Sabino Fonseca, Marcia Maria de Cerqueira Lima, Ivanilda Argenau Marques, Athenê Maria de Marco França Mauro, Eduardo de Masi
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