Human adenovirus infection as a potential cause of hepatitis in pediatrics

Abstract

Introduction: A recent outbreak of disease worldwide about cases of acute hepatitis of unknown origin in pediatric patients has activated health alerts since in most countries an unusual increase in this disease has been reported, which has captured the attention, due to rapid progress towards acute liver failure. Objective: Describe the relationship between human adenovirus infection and hepatitis of unknown origin in pediatrics. Methodology: A bibliographic review was conducted on human adenovirus infection as a potential cause of hepatitis in pediatrics, for which several studies published in databases such as PubMed, SciELO, Scopus, and Web of Science were used. Results: The causality of this disease remains uncertain up to now, but several hypotheses have been proposed, among them the most accepted allegation that it could be a consequence of infection by human adenovirus and although it is well established that infections by this pathogen are common in children, the severity of clinical symptoms as the underlying cause is not fully justified. Conclusion: It will be a challenge to determine the role of adenovirus in acute pediatric hepatitis, since understanding its pathophysiology will allow developing effective surveillance and treatment strategies that prevent exacerbation of the disease and liver transplantation. Meanwhile, it is suggested to consider adenovirus as the differential diagnosis of acute non-A-E hepatitis.