Prevalence of Hepatitis a and Hepatitis E in West Bengal India- A Tertiary Care Hospital Based Study

Abstract

BACKGROUND Hepatitis A and E viruses are the most common causes of acute viral hepatitis and account for 10% deaths due to viral hepatitis globally. These viruses are endemic in India, and causes both epidemic and sporadic infections. Though there are several outbreak reports available, data on sporadic infections caused by these two viruses are very few. METHODSHistory of patients were recorded and blood samples collected to investigate possible hepatitis A and E infection. Laboratory assessments for detection of anti-HAV IgG and anti-HEV IgG antibodies was performed using enzyme linked immune-sorbent assay kits. RESULTSTotal 494 patients were investigated including 159 female and 335 male. Seroprevalence of HAV was found to be 11.2% and that of HEV was 20.05%. Both the infections demonstrated preponderance of male over female. Highest frequencies of HAV were found in age group of 11-20 and that of HEV were in age group 21-30. Seasonal distribution of both HAV and HEV infections followed a bimodal peak pattern with peaks reported in spring and rainy season. CONCLUSIONSMain modes of transmission of both the viruses are through feco-oral route. So by improving community hygiene and administering vaccination (For Hepatitis A) the number of positive cases can be reduced. A community program like "Swatchh Bharat Abhiyan" and a surveillance program by hospitals with multipronged approach of screening, treatment and immunization (against HAV) are expected to reduce incidences of infective viral hepatitis.