SEROPREVALENCE OF HEPATITIS E VIRUS (HEV) AMONGS THE ACUTE VIRAL HEPATITIS PATIENTS ATTENDING A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL

Abstract

Hepatitis E infection (HEV) transmitted through the fecal–oral course and cause self-constraining intense
viral hepatitis. It represents a significant general medical issue in India. Clinical presentation in acute
phase of disease is indistinguishable at point when patients are in prodromal stage and in icteric period
of viral hepatitis. Their differentiation is based on their serological and molecular markers. Objectives:
To determine seroprevalence HEV in patients presenting with Acute viral Hepatitis. Materials and
Methods: A retrospective record based study was carried out in rural tertiary health care center located
in western Maharashtra. A total of 778 patients were enrolled in study as a time bound sample size.
Serum samples included in study were analyzed for IgM anti-HEV for the detection HEV infection, using
commercially available ELISA. Result: Out of 778 clinically associated cases with Acute viral hepatitis
121(15.5%) were sure for IgM Anti – HEV antibodies and 84.4% patient may have other than HEV
etiology of viral hepatitis. The predominance of HEV contamination is higher in guys 61.9% than the
females (38.0%).Conclusion: Clinical finding of intense viral hepatitis must be affirmed by serology to
recognize all the kinds of causative infections (A, B, C and E).HEV screening in symptomatic pregnant
female is significant as result of disease with HEV is poor. Continuous epidemiological surveillance and
monitoring of HEV and HEV infection is needed.