Sero Surveillance Study to Monitor the Trends of SARS COV2 Infection in the Pediatric Population of the Goa State

Dr Varsha Munj, Senior Pathologist, Department of Pathology, North District Hospital, Mapusa Goa 403507
2021 Journal of Medical Science And clinical Research  
As there are concerns raised of anticipated 3 rd wave of to hit the state of Goa around August-October 2021 wherein pediatric population is likely to be affected, conducting pediatric population based sero-surveillance will help to estimate and monitor the trends of infection that will guide the strategy for making further decisions. Materials and Methods: The sero -epidemiological investigation for COVID 19 infection is a pediatric population based cross-sectional study (5-11years and 12-17
more » ... rs ). The sample size was calculated for each of the age group and strata (District).480 samples were analysed by serological test to determine SARS COV2 antibodies (quantitative spike proteins). Results: 480 children were considered for the study as per the survey design. 319 were tested positive for SARS COV2 antibody .The overall seroprevalence of SARS-COV2 antibody in children (5-17 years) of Goa state is 66.40% with North district (68.33%) and South district (64.58%). 54% were females and 46% were males. 57% of children were in the age group of 5-11 years whereas 43% were in the age group of 12-17 years. 13% of children presented with mild to moderate symptoms while 87% of children were asymptomatic. The seroprevalence was similar in rural and urban areas of Goa. Betki(North District) had positivity of only 29.17% and Canacona and Ponda (South District) had positivity of 37.5%. Conclusion: SARS COV2 seropositivity in children 5-17 years is higher in Goa state. Vaccine priority can be given age group of 11-17 years. There is heterogenecity in distribution of cases indicating possibility of further waves.
doi:10.18535/jmscr/v9i9.25 fatcat:23vw5btfjvc5jbs4i53scpcnl4