Scientists in the United Kingdom say they have identified the possible cause of the recent outbreak of the mysterious liver disease affecting young children around the world.
New scientists’ research indicates that not being exposed to two common viruses during the “Covid 19” pandemic may increase children’s chances of developing acute hepatitis, CNBC reports.
In two studies published today, two research teams from University College London and the University of Glasgow said that lockdown restrictions could lead to some children losing early immunity to both adenovirus and adeno-associated virus 2.
Crucially, both groups said they found no evidence of a direct link between the sharp rise in hepatitis cases and infection with the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes Covid-19.
More than 1,000 children in 35 countries have developed an unknown type of severe acute hepatitis since the first case was reported in January. The majority of cases were in children aged five years or younger, although diagnoses were discovered in children up to 16 years of age.
The adenovirus, which usually causes a mild cold or flu-like illness, was previously thought to be partly responsible for the mysterious outbreak, because it was the most common virus in samples from infected children.
However, the new research indicated that adeno-associated virus 2, which usually does not cause any disease and cannot reproduce without a “helper” virus such as adenovirus or herpes virus, was present in 96% of cases of unknown hepatitis examined through Both studies.
The findings add to theories among some health experts that pandemic lockdowns have reduced overall immunity to a number of common diseases. The researchers added that there is no link between coronavirus vaccines and the mysterious disease.
Scientists solve the mystery of the mysterious liver disease that affects children around the world
