"Adenovirus is the most common pathogen detected in 75% of confirmed cases" of acute hepatitis in children in Britain and, in particular, "the adenovirus strain called F41 appears to be the most likely cause". This was underlined by the United Kingdom Health Safety Agency (UKHSA) in a report , which keeps open the hypothesis that this virus may be at the origin of the rare hepatitis of unknown origin which has occurred in several countries, including Italy. . Scientists are studying whether there has been a change in the genetic makeup of the virus that could more easily trigger liver inflammation.
In the report of the agency, updated to April 25 and released by the British media, it is emphasized that most of the children who contract adenovirus do not have particularly severe symptoms .
"The information gathered through our investigations increasingly suggests that this increase in sudden onset of hepatitis in children is linked to adenovirus infection," said Meera Chand , director of clinical and emerging infections at Ukhsa. "However - he continues - we are thoroughly investigating other potential causes ".
Another possible explanation is that the precautionary measures imposed in the pandemic may have led to young children being exposed to adenovirus for the first time at a later time in their life than when they normally do, leading to a more vigorous immune response. , in some, against adenovirus.
Other hypotheses also remain under consideration, including the fact that a recent Covid infection could be a trigger for liver problems alongside adenovirus.
