Abstract

Background: As there are concerns raised of anticipated 3^rd wave of Covid- 19 to hit the state of Goa around August-October 2021 wherein pediatric population is  likely to be affected, conducting pediatric population based sero-surveillance will help to estimate and monitor the trends of infection that will guide the strategy for making further decisions.

Materials and Methods: The sero -epidemiological investigation for COVID 19 infection is a pediatric population based cross-sectional study (5-11years and 12-17 years). The sample size was calculated for each of the age group and strata (District).480 samples were analysed by serological test to determine SARS COV2 antibodies (quantitative spike proteins).

Results: 480 children were considered for the study as per the survey design. 319 were tested positive for SARS COV2 antibody .The overall seroprevalence of SARS- COV2 antibody in children (5-17 years) of Goa state is 66.40% with North district (68.33%) and  South district (64.58%). 54% were females and 46% were males. 57% of children were in the age group of 5-11 years whereas 43% were in the age group of 12-17 years. 13% of children presented with mild to moderate symptoms while 87% of children were asymptomatic. The seroprevalence was similar in rural and urban areas of Goa. Betki(North District) had positivity of only 29.17% and Canacona and Ponda (South District) had positivity of 37.5%.

Conclusion: SARS COV2 seropositivity in children 5-17 years is higher in Goa state. Vaccine priority can be given age group of 11-17 years. There is heterogenecity in distribution of cases indicating possibility of further waves.

Keywords: SARS-COV Antibody, EFLA, spike-protein (IgM) Antibody.