April 12, 2021

Infectivity of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 in Children Compared with Adults

Category: Article Summary

Topic: Transmission

Keywords (Tags): children, transmission

• Compared with adults, children with SARS-CoV-2 positive nasopharyngeal swabs (NPS) were less likely to grow virus in culture (OR=0.45) and had lower viral concentrations (cycle threshold: 25.1 age≤ 10 years, 22.2 age 11–17 years, and 18.7 in adults), suggesting that children may be less likely to transmit infectious virus. The analysis included samples from children (n = 175) and adults (n = 130) infected with SARS-CoV-2 and their close contacts between March and December 2020.  The median number of infectious particles (via 50% tissue culture infective dose per mL) was also significantly lower in children aged 11–17 years than adults. 

Bullard et al. (Apr 9, 2021). Infectivity of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 in Children Compared with Adults. Canadian Medical Association Journal. https://doi.org/10.1503/cmaj.210263