Childhood hepatitis surge ‘probably linked to two common viruses’

Scientists say simultaneous infection with viruses may explain rise in cases, with 12 UK children requiring liver transplants

Simultaneous infection with two common viruses is thought to explain a recent surge in childhood hepatitis cases, which has led to 12 UK children requiring liver transplants so far.

Two research groups have detected high levels of adeno-associated virus 2 (AAV2) - a little-known virus not previously associated with human disease - in almost all of the affected British children they have tested. AAV2 is unable to replicate by itself but can do so in the presence of a second virus.