Clinical manifestations and severity of COVID-19 caused by Omicron among paediatric patients aged 0-17 years in Italy.

ABSTRACT: SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant evolved into multiple sub-lineages, some showing increased transmissibility and immune evasion. Despite decreased risk of severe disease, paediatric hospitalization rose. However, factors influencing clinical outcomes remain unclear. A total of 458 whole-genome Omicron sequences from patients 0-17 years, diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 at Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital (January-December 2023) were analysed. Clinical features, disease severity and circulating variants were assessed. Phylogenetic analysis was performed, and logistic regression identified factors associated with hospitalization. Among patients, 249 (54.4%) were male, with median age 0.6 years. Comorbidities were present in 105 (22.9%) patients, mainly immunocompromised (21.0%). Infections were predomina

SUBMITTER: Scutari R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12540900 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature