SEROPREVALENCE OF HEPATITIS A AND E VIRUSES IN CLINICALLY SUSPECTED CASES OF ACUTE VIRAL HEPATITIS IN PATIENT ATTENDING A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL

Viral hepatitis is a primary infection of liver by heterogeneous group of hepatitis viruses (A, B, C, D and E). Viral hepatitis is an important preventable infectious disease with various rates of occurrence in different areas of the world. It is a major public health problem worldwide and an important cause of morbidity and mortality. Hepatitis A and Hepatitis E viruses are transmitted by faeco-oral route and cause sporadic as well as outbreaks of acute viral hepatitis. Prevalence of hepatitis A virus (HAV) and hepatitis E virus (HEV) along with their clinical, serological and biochemical parameters caused by these virus were studied among 92 patients with acute viral hepatitis attending a tertiary care hospital. IgM Anti-HAV and anti-HEV antibodies were detected by ELISA. Out of 92 samples, 27 were positive for anti HAV IgM indicating prevalence rate of 29.34 percentage with majority patients in the paediatric age group (6-10 yrs). In case of HEV, 4 samples were positive with prevalence rate of 4.34 percentage, all patients were in adult age group (31-40 yrs). Yellowish discoloration of conjunctiva and sclera was the main presenting complaint with serum bilirubin ranging between 3.1-6.0 mgdl in 51.14 percentage. Infection rate (HAV and HEV) was higher in males. Study shows high prevalence of HAV than HEV. Prevalence was higher in paediatric and adult age group in case of HAV and HEV respectively. Jaundice was the most common sign with increased bilirubin, SGPT and SGOT level in serum. Improving personal hygiene and better sanitation will reduce the infection rate.