Scientists are urgently trying to find the cause of the global outbreak of severe liver disease in young children. So far, adenovirus seems to be the best lead.
While COVID-19 hasn’t been ruled out as a potential cause, the leading contender is actually adenovirus, a common infection in children that can lead to hepatitis on rare occasions.
There’s not enough evidence yet to support the AstraZeneca CEO’s statement. But it is theoretically plausible.
A mural in Rome depicts a white dove parachuting vials of COVID-19 vaccine. Several COVID-19 vaccines are based on a viral vector developed by Canadian Frank Graham decades ago.
(AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)
Viral vectors are modified viruses that trigger an immune response without causing infection. The vector that’s used in several COVID-19 vaccines was created decades ago by Canadian Frank Graham.
If one adenoviral vaccine is linked with blood clots, it doesn’t mean all vaccines in this family will have that same effect. But it’s definitely worth health authorities assessing the data.
The AstraZeneca vaccine is already in use in many places.
AP Photo/Christophe Ena
AstraZeneca just announced results from its US-based trial. It found the vaccine to be 79% effective and safe for use, despite recent concerns around reports of blood clots.
The Johnson & Johnson vaccine only requires one dose.
Phill Magoke/AFP via Getty Images
The Johnson & Johnson vaccine is different from the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines in a few important ways that could make it a huge help to global vaccination efforts.
There are many ways to make a vaccine. In a time of crisis, the more paths towards success the better.
Adriana Duduleanu / EyeEm via Getty Images
Under pressure to develop a coronavirus vaccine, researchers have turned to protein synthesis, genetics and hybrid viruses. It is likely a mix of these approaches will be used to fight the coronavirus.