Susceptibility and infectiousness of SARS-CoV-2 in children versus adults, by variant (wild-type, alpha, delta): A systematic review and meta-analysis of household contact studies.

ABSTRACT:

Importance

Understanding the susceptibility and infectiousness of children and adolescents in comparison to adults is important to appreciate their role in the COVID-19 pandemic.

Objective

To determine SARS-CoV-2 susceptibility and infectiousness of children and adolescents with adults as comparator for three variants (wild-type, alpha, delta) in the household setting. We aimed to identify the effects independent of vaccination or prior infection.

Data sources

We searched EMBASE, PubMed and medRxiv up to January 2022.

Study selection

Two reviewers independently identified studies providing secondary household attack rates (SAR) for SARS-CoV-2 infection in children (0-9 years), adolescents (10-19 years) or both compared with adults (20 years and older).

Data

SUBMITTER: Uthman OA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11379298 | biostudies-literature | 2024

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature