The dynamic assessment of immune status in children after a new coronavirus infection

Background. The changes in the immune system against the background of the infectious process caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus remain insufficiently studied. Concerns remain about the possibility of long-term consequences associated with immune deficiency. Dynamic assessment of immunological parameters in children after COVID-19 is essential to prevent possible complications and long-term consequences.

The aim. To monitor the immune status of children in post-COVID period after 1, 3 and 12 months.

Materials and methods. Sixty children of the city of Irkutsk with COVID-19 diagnosis participated in the study. Investigation of immune status, determination of the presence of specific antibodies A, M, G and titer IgG to the SARS-CoV-2 virus was carried out 1, 3, 12 months after the acute period of COVID-19.

Results. In the post-COVID period, children after 1, 3, 12 months after COVID-19 reveal changes in immune parameters – cellular, humoral link and phagocytosis system. The biggest changes were observed 12 months after COVID-19 in the form of negative dynamics of phagocytosis (p < 0.001). There is no change in the proportion of children with abnormal cell immunity (p > 0.05) over months 1, 3 and 12. Overall immunoglobulin levels in most children were within the reference range (p > 0.05). After a year, all children were identified with IgG to SARS-CoV-2 (p < 0.0001) and 96.7 % had high titer antibodies.

Conclusion. Changes in the immune status of children after COVID-19 can be considered as predictors in the post-COVID period of long-term consequences, including the development of chronic infectious pathology. The dynamic monitoring of children’s immunity and health status after COVID-19 should be continued.

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