The WHO said Tuesday that 348 probable cases of hepatitis of unknown origin had been identified, as studies into the potential role of adenovirus and COVID-19 infection gather pace.<\/P>
The World Health Organization said the leading hypotheses remain those involving adenovirus.<\/P>
Cases have been reported in 20 countries, with 70 additional cases from a further 13 countries that are pending classification as tests await completion.<\/P>
Only six countries are reporting more than five cases, with Britain reporting more than 160.<\/P>
“Over the last week, there’s been some important progress with the further investigations and some refinements of the working hypotheses,” Philippa Easterbrook, from the WHO’s global hepatitis program, told a press conference.<\/P>
She said Britain had been coordinating a comprehensive set of studies looking at the genetics of the children affected, their immune response, viruses and further epidemiological studies.<\/P>
The WHO was first informed on April 5 of 10 unexplained hepatitis cases in Scotland, detected in children under the age of 10.<\/P>
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Friday it was investigating 109 such cases, including five reported deaths.<\/P>
“At present, the leading hypotheses remain those which involve adenovirus \u2014 with also still an important consideration about the role of COVID as well, either as a co-infection or a past infection,” Easterbrook said.<\/P>
Further testing in the past week confirmed that around 70% of the cases tested positive for adenovirus, with sub-type 41 \u2014 normally associated with gastroenteritis \u2014 the prevalent sub-type, she added.<\/P>
Testing has also shown that around 18% of cases actively tested positive for COVID-19.<\/P>
“The big focus over the next week is looking at serological testing for previous exposure and infections with COVID,” said Easterbrook.<\/P>
The scientist said that within the week, there should be data from Britain on a case control study comparing whether the detection rate of adenovirus differs from that in other hospitalized children.<\/P>
“That will really help hone down whether adeno is just an incidental infection that’s been detected or there is a causal or likely causal link,” Easterbrook said.<\/P>
She said that microscopic studies of liver samples and biopsies had shown none of the typical features that might be expected with a liver inflammation due to adenovirus.<\/P>
Adenoviruses are commonly spread by close personal contact, respiratory droplets and surfaces.<\/P>
They are generally known to cause respiratory symptoms, conjunctivitis or even digestive disorders.<\/P>
The WHO refers to the outbreak of severe liver inflammations as acute hepatitis of unknown origin among young children.<\/P>
Three children in Indonesia have died from the disease.<\/P>
Some cases have caused liver failure and required transplants.<\/P>
Many cases reported jaundice, and gastrointestinal symptoms including abdominal pain, diarrhea and vomiting.<\/P>
After the discovery of the first 169 cases, the WHO said common viruses that cause acute viral hepatitis (hepatitis viruses A, B, C, D and E) were not detected in any of them.<\/P>
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Source: Voice of America<\/P>
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