Experts from the United Kingdom believe they have found the origin of the current rash of unexplained liver disorders afflicting young infants worldwide.
Investigations indicate that once pandemic lockdowns were lifted, two common viruses made a comeback and caused the unusual but extremely severe hepatitis cases.
More than 1,000 children, many of whom are under the age of five, are believed to have been afflicted in 35 nations.
Some, including 12 in the United Kingdom, have required a liver transplant to survive.
The two research teams from London and Glasgow assert that children exposed later than usual due to Covid limitations lacked early protection against:
Adenovirus typically causes colds and gastrointestinal distress.
Adeno-associated virus two often does not cause disease and requires a coinfecting “helper” virus, such as adenovirus, to multiply.
This may explain why some individuals acquired unique and concerning liver problems.
Noah, age 3, of Chelmsford, Essex, required an emergency liver transplant after contracting hepatitis and becoming gravely ill.
His mother, Rebecca Cameron-McIntosh, describes the event as traumatic.
She states that he was previously in perfect health. “And to abruptly pass by so quickly. I believe it was the cause of our amazement.
We had imagined it was a minor issue that would be readily resolved, but it has only continued to escalate.
Rebecca was initially scheduled to donate a portion of her liver, but a severe response to the medications used landed her in intensive care.
Soon after being placed on the transplant list, Noah obtained a new organ.
His recuperation has been successful, but he must take immunosuppressant medicines for the rest of his life to prevent his body from rejecting the new liver.
Rebecca adds, “There is something incredibly terrible about the fact that you follow the rules, do what you’re meant to do to protect vulnerable individuals, and then your child becomes more vulnerable as a result of you doing what you were supposed to do.”
Instances such as these are uncommon. The vast majority of children who contract these illnesses recover rapidly.
It is unknown why some individuals then develop liver inflammation, although genetics may play a role.
Scientists have ruled out any link to coronavirus or Covid vaccinations.
Prof. Judith Breuer, an expert in virology at University College London and Great Ormond Street Hospital, was one of the researchers who stated: “During the lockdown time, when children did not interact, there was no virus transmission between them.
“They were not developing immunity to the common illnesses they would ordinarily be exposed to.
“When the limits were eliminated, children began to mix, viruses began to circulate freely, and they were suddenly exposed to a multitude of new illnesses due to their lack of protection.”
Experts are optimistic that the number of cases is decreasing but remain vigilant for any new ones.
Prof. Emma Thomson, who directed the research at the University of Glasgow, stated that many concerns remained unresolved. “Urgently required are larger-scale investigations into the role of AAV2 in pediatric hepatitis patients.
“We must also learn more about the seasonal circulation of AAV2, a virus that is not frequently studied; a peak in adenovirus infection may have coincided with a peak in AAV2 exposure, causing an atypical manifestation of hepatitis in young children who are susceptible.”
