The factors that contribute to transmission of SARS-CoV-2 by children are unclear. We analysed viral load at the time of diagnosis in 53 children and 352 adults with COVID-19 in the first 5 days post symptom onset. No significant differences in SARS-CoV-2 RNA loads were seen between children and adults.

The role of children in the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 is unclear. We analysed viral load at the time of diagnosis in 53 children vs. 352 adults with COVID-19 in the first 5 days post symptom onset. No significant differences in SARS-CoV-2 RNA loads were seen between children and adults.

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Background Recently, cases of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) associated with COVID-19 have been reported worldwide. Negative RT-PCR testing associated with positive serology in most cases suggests a post-infectious syndrome. Because the pathophysiology of this syndrome is still poorly understood, extensive virological and immunological investigations are needed. Methods We report a series of four pediatric patients admitted to Geneva University Hospitals with persistent fever and laboratory evidence of inflammation meeting published definition of MIS-C related to COVID-19, to whom an extensive virological and immunological workup was performed. Results RT-PCRs on multiple anatomical compartments were negative whereas anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgA and IgG were strongly positive by ELISA and immunofluorescence. Both pseudo- and full virus neutralization assays showed the presence of neutralizing antibodies in all children, confirming a recent infection with SARS-CoV-2. Analyses of cytokine profiles revealed an elevation in all cytokines, as reported in adults with severe COVID-19. Although differing in clinical presentation, some features of MIS-C show phenotypic overlap with haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH). In contrast to patients with primary HLH, our patients showed normal perforin expression and NK cell degranulation. The levels of soluble IL-2 receptor (sIL-2R) correlated with the severity of disease, reflecting recent T-cell activation. Conclusion Our findings suggest that MIS-C related to COVID-19 is caused by a post-infectious inflammatory syndrome associated with elevation in all cytokines, and markers of recent T-cell activation (sIL-2R) occurring despite a strong and specific humoral response to SARS-CoV2. Further functional and genetic analyses are essential to better understand the mechanisms of host-pathogen interactions.