SARS-CoV-2 full genome sequencing of pediatric and adult samples collected in Lazio region (Italy)

Since the start of SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, children aged =12 years have always been defined as underrepresented in terms of SARS-CoV-2 infections' frequency and severity. Here, our objectives are to fill gaps in the knowledge of SARS-CoV-2 paediatric epidemic thanks to the viral definition, transmission dynamic and clinical characterization of more than 600 children diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 infection in a large, scientific paediatric institute for research, hospitalization and healthcare in the Central Italy.This retrospective observational study included 612 SARS-CoV-2-positive nasopharyngeal-swabs, obtained from patients aged =12 years referred for the diagnosis at Bambino Gesù Children Hospital IRCCS (OPBG) from March 05, 2020, to August 31, 2021. Whole genome SARS-CoV-2 sequences were obtained. To describe the relatedness of the paediatric sequences against SARS-CoV-2 diversity, 410 SARS-CoV-2 sequences belonged to adolescent and adult population (>12 years) living in the same area of paediatric population (local sequences) were added.