Do adenovirus stool testing results show higher levels than pre-pandemic times?
You are asking whether adenovirus levels in stool tests are higher now than before the COVID-19 pandemic. This question relates to a rise in severe hepatitis cases in children that began in 2021, which some suspected was linked to adenovirus. However, US surveillance data from 2022 found no overall increase in adenovirus detection compared to pre-pandemic years.
What the research says
A 2022 report from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) analyzed adenovirus trends in children and found no increase in adenovirus detection compared with pre-COVID-19 pandemic levels 2. This analysis included stool testing results and other specimen types. The report specifically looked at pediatric hepatitis of unknown cause and concluded that there was no increase in adenovirus trends 2. Another preliminary analysis of children with hepatitis of unknown cause from October 2021 to June 2022 did not identify common exposures, including adenovirus 3. While a case series from Alabama described children with severe hepatitis and adenovirus infection, this was a small, localized cluster and does not reflect national trends 1. Overall, the evidence suggests that adenovirus stool testing results are not higher than pre-pandemic times at a population level.
What to ask your doctor
- What is the most likely cause of my child's hepatitis symptoms?
- Should we test for adenovirus or other viruses like cytomegalovirus or Epstein-Barr?
- Are there any specific treatments for adenovirus-related hepatitis?
- How can I monitor my child's liver function at home?
- When should I seek emergency care for worsening symptoms?
This question is drawn from common patient questions about Infectious Disease and answered using cited medical research. We do not provide individualized advice.