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The recent outbreak of acute hepatitis in young children is unrelated to Covid-19. This is shown by two separate studies which conclude that the high number of hepatitis cases may be associated with a certain type of adeno-associated virus (AAV2).
Not linked to Covid… at least not directly
AAV2 does not normally cause disease on its own, but it often coexists with adenoviruses. Together, these viruses result in illnesses that resemble a cold or the flu. Two studies recently published by the University of Glasgow and Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) in London, which have not yet been peer reviewed, now show that AAV2 was present in the vast majority of children with acute hepatitis studied. This was the case in the nine cases examined by the University of Glasgow and in 94% or 16 of the 17 cases in the GOSH study. This 94% is much higher than the 16% of the general population in whom the virus is normally found. The researchers therefore conclude that a dual infection with AAV2 and an adenovirus or possibly a herpes virus HHV6 offers the best explanation for the development of severe acute hepatitis.
Both teams say an increase in adenovirus infections following lockdowns played a role in the outbreak. The children developed lower immunity by staying at home and not coming into contact with the viruses they normally were. Despite a possible link to the lockdowns, teams found no indication that the hepatitis outbreak was directly linked to coronavirus infection. Children who contract acute hepatitis may be more susceptible to contracting the disease, but it is highly unlikely that it was caused by Covid-19.
The Scottish researchers also identified differences in a particular antigen that occurred in children with acute hepatitis and significantly less in the control group. This might explain why some children get very sick.
The unknown form of hepatitis surfaced in the UK in early April. According to the latest figures available from the World Health Organization as of July 12, more than 1,000 cases of severe acute hepatitis of unknown cause have already been recorded worldwide. Most cases have been recorded in the United States (334) and the United Kingdom (272). In our country there are 14 cases.
