A review of mysterious cases of hepatitis in very young children in the United States led American health authorities to favor Friday the track of an adenovirus to explain this serious inflammation of the liver, without it being established as a specific cause.
Instead of common viruses, adenoviruses are commonly known to cause respiratory symptoms, conjunctivitis or even digestive disorders.
The United States is far from being the only country affected by this unexplained occurrence of unexplained hepatitis: dozens of cases have been identified across Europe, raising fears of a new epidemic.
So far, we believe adenovirus may be the cause of these cases, but other environmental factors are still being investigated.written by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the nation’s leading federal public health agency.
In particular, the CDC points the finger at the so -called adenovirus uri 41until now known to cause acute gastroenteritis.
Adenoviruses are well identified as causes of hepatitis, but so far only in immunocompromised children (i.e., the immune system is weakened).
In total, nine cases identified in Alabama between October 2021 and February 2022 were studied in detail.
The children range in age from one to six years old and they are all healthy.
Most children experience vomiting and diarrhea. Some also experienced respiratory symptoms.
Two children had to undergo a liver transplant. All are currently healed or in remission.
Nine young patients were found carriers of the adenovirus. Five cases could be tested in the laboratory, and type 41 adenovirus was then detected.
The CDC excluded several other causes, including infection with COVID-19 and hepatitis A, B, and C viruses.
Six out of nine patients were also declared positive for the Epstein-Barr virus, but they has no antibodies, indicating previous infection, which are no longer activewritten by the American agency.
He made sure to liaise closely with European health authorities.
Cases are also being investigated in other US states. Wisconsin health authorities said this week they were investigating four possible cases in children, one of whom died.
Last week, the CDC issued a health alert to physicians to notify authorities of any suspected cases of hepatitis of unknown origin.
Source: Radio-Canada
