CDC updates testing guidance for children with acute hepatitis

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released guidance last week pertaining to the treatment of children with hepatitis of unknown cause. The guidance is part of an investigation into 109 potential cases of pediatric hepatitis identified since last October, five of which proved fatal. The CDC recommended patients be tested for adenovirus due to the possible association between pediatric hepatitis and adenovirus type 41 infection. The agency also requested blood, respiratory, stool and/or liver specimens be collected and submitted to aid in the investigation. (AHA News article, 5/9/22)