A new antibody test has shown that Covid-19 is the most likely cause of a newly emerged multi-system inflammatory syndrome which has affected hundreds of children.
The blood test, developed by researchers at the University of Birmingham, UK, works on those who have tested negative for the virus by the PCR test, raising the possibility that asymptomatic children could be at risk of developing the new condition, which is similar to Kawasaki disease.
The new condition, named Paediatric Inflammatory Multi-System Syndrome – Temporally associated with SARS-CoV-2 (PIMS-TS), has affected about 200 children in the UK, according to the latest figures from paediatricians. Other cases have been reported across Europe and the USA.
The blood test shows the presence of different types of antibodies to the virus and found that every child had high levels of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies.
Researchers said the pattern of antibodies suggested that the infection is most likely to have occurred weeks or even months previously, which would mean that antibody testing could help to diagnose PIMS-TS, even when virus is not directly detectable in the patient.
Dr Alex Richter, lead researcher and consultant immunologist at the University of Birmingham’s Institute of Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy said: “By focusing on assay development using academic principles, we have designed a sensitive antibody test that can be used to detect exposure to SARS-CoV-2 infections.
“The test will be used to understand how many people have suffered from Covid-19 in our communities but we have found another use identifying PIMS-TS in these sick children.”
The research was a collaboration between the University of Birmingham, Birmingham Health Partners, Birmingham Women’s and Children’s NHS Foundation Trust, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, the University of Southampton and The Binding Site Group Ltd.
Meanwhile, the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health has produced guidance for concerned parents – and carers / teachers/ nurseries/ nannies/ childminders about the new condition.
It says carers should look out for signs of serious illness which could be PIMS or could be sepsis, meningitis, toxic shock syndrome or other serious conditions.
The college says it knows of about 200 cases reported in England.
It adds: "There have been fewer cases reported of late but this could go up again if Covid-19 cases start to rise."
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