Seroprevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies among children attending the pediatric hospital in Bamako, Mali (BamaCoV-Kids Study).

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to assess the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 among children attending pediatric consultations in Bamako, Mali, using a rapid diagnostic test (RDT) on fingertip or venous blood samples.

METHODS

A single-center, cross-sectional study was conducted from May to September 2022 at the Pediatric Hospital in Bamako, Mali. Children aged 1 to 15 years underwent phlebotomy or fingertip blood sampling for SARS-CoV-2 antibody testing using the Abbott Panbio COVID-19 IgG/IgM Test. Demographic data and potential risk factors (for children: age, gender, place of residence, household type and size, transport mode; for parents: education, COVID-19 infection and vaccination status, contact with positive cases, and travel) were collected. Categorical variables were compared using Fisher's exact test, and quantitative variables were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney test.

RESULTS

A total of 315 children were included, with a median age of 6 years (IQR 3-9 years); 45.7% (144/315) were younger than 6 years, and 54% (170/315) were male. The majority lived in urban areas (89.9%) and used public transportation (85.7%). The overall seroprevalence was 63.5%, with a higher seroprevalence observed among children aged 6 years and older compared to those under 6 years. The odds of having a positive serology were approximately twice as high in children aged ≥ 6 years in both univariable (OR 1.99; 95% CI: 1.25-3.17; P = 0.0014) and multivariable analyses (OR 2.05; 95% CI: 1.28-3.29; P = 0.0028). No significant differences in seropositivity were found for other demographics or risk factors.

CONCLUSIONS

A substantial proportion of children in Bamako showed evidence of past SARS-CoV-2 infection, underscoring the importance of continued surveillance and preventive measures in this population.