Three-year seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein antibody among children, parental awareness, and contributors of infection: a single-school cohort study in Chiba, Japan

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in children is often asymptomatic, posing challenges in detecting infections. Additionally, factors contributing to infection remain poorly understood. This study aimed to investigate trends in anti-severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) nucleocapsid antibody seroprevalence, the relationship between seroprevalence and parental perception of child infection, and factors related to COVID-19 in children.

Methods: In December 2020, 355 children aged 6-12 years in one elementary school were enrolled in the study. The anti-SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid antibody seroprevalence was assessed, and questionnaires were administered annually for three years. Parents' perceptions of infection and factors contributing to infection were examined.

Results: The seroprevalence was 0.6%, 2.2%, and 60.9% in the first, second, and third years, respectively. The third-year seroprevalence among children reported as 'infected,' 'not tested but had symptoms,' and 'not infected' by parents was 97.3%, 83.3%, and 35.7%, respectively. Increased odds of seropositivity at the third-year measurement were observed in lower grades (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]=2.79 compared with higher grades) and in children more likely to play with others (aOR=3.97 for 'somewhat' and 2.84 for 'often,' compared with 'rarely'). No significant associations with seropositivity were found for sex, siblings, body mass index, serum 25-OH vitamin D₃ concentration, or sleep duration.

Conclusion: The Omicron variant outbreak from the end of 2021 led to a sharp increase in seroprevalence among children, with many unaware of their infection. Frequent play with others may facilitate transmission in children. These data provide useful information for developing countermeasures against COVID-19 and other future pandemics.