Anti_spike and anti_nucleocapsid IgG responses to SARS-CoV-2 in children of Jordan

• DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e30631
• Publication Date: 2024-05-05T00:11:31Z
• Authors: Arwa Qaqish; Manal Mohammad Abbas; Mohammad Alkhateeb; Mohammad Al-Tamimi; Minas Mustafa; Abdel-Ellah Al-Sh...; Shahd Tarawneh; Rand Dawoud; Amel Mryyian; Mu'ath Al-Ajaleen
• Keywords: Nucleocapsid protein; H1-99; 0301 basic medicine; Science (General); SARS-CoV-2; COVID-19; Spike protein; Antibodies; Jordanian children; Social sciences (General); Q1-390; 03 medical and health sciences; Research Article

It is proven that children have significantly milder COVID-19 disease compared to adults. Various immunological characteristics influence this age-related difference in protection against COVID-19. Pediatric COVID-19 in Jordan is extremely under reported.The primary goal of this work is to identify the anti_S and anti_N antibody responses in a random group of children in Jordan and compare it to that of naturally infected-unvaccinated adults.151 unvaccinated children, 4 days to 18 years old, were screened for anti_S and anti_N antibodies. History of COVID-19 infection or exposure to infection and symptom severity were reported by parents on a special questionnaire.78.9 % and 65.3 % of participants were seropositive for anti_S IgG and anti_N Abs, respectively. There was a remarkable association between age and anti_S IgG and anti_N IgG antibody titers, as children aged 12 years or older had increased anti_S IgG titers (mean = 19.3 BAU/mL) compared to younger groups (means of 10.15, 9.24, 7.91 BAU/mL for age groups 6-12, 1-6, less than 1 year, respectively). Gender did not show a statistically important role in anti_S and anti_N IgG seropositivity rates or titers. Children displayed significantly elevated anti_S titers (mean = 13.23 BAU/mL) compared to naturally infected adults (mean = 9.72 BAU/mL), in contrast, adults' anti_N titers (mean = 39.64 U/mL) were significantly higher compared to those of children (mean = 10.77 U/mL).The current work provides evidence of distinctly robust and persistent humoral immunity displayed by high anti_S and anti_N IgG in children, even >12 months post-infection. Age was the only factor that had a significant statistical impact on anti_S and anti_N Ab levels among the pediatric group in this study. Children exhibited significantly higher anti_S titers than naturally infected adults. In contrast, adults' anti_N titers were significantly higher. Such information can assist direct pediatric SARS-CoV-2 immunization programs, with implications for creating age-targeted strategies for diagnostic and population protection measures.