Prevalence of hepatitis a virus and hepatitis e virus in the patients presenting with acute viral hepatitis at a tertiary care hospital Jaipur Rajasthan

Background: Hepatitis A virus (HAV) and hepatitis E virus (HEV) causes a self-limiting viral infection, transmitted by feco-oral route. These infections are major health problem worldwide, with a higher incidence in developing countries. Exposure rate of HAV and HEV over a period are different in different parts of country. Objectives: This study was conducted to determine the seroprevalence of HAV and HEV, its seasonal trend and their correlation with serological markers of liver damage at a tertiary care hospital Jaipur Rajasthan. Materials and Methods: A total of 3093 serum samples were tested for IgM HAV and IgM HEV. Relevant data were also collected. Results: A total of 3093 patients were included in the study. Of the 3093, 1654 and 1439 serum samples were tested for IgM HAV and IgM HEV, respectively. Of these, 7.67% and 14.9% were positive for IgM HAV and IgM HEV, respectively. Range of elevated bilirubin in both type of acute hepatitis varied from 1.4 mg% to 37 mg%. In IgM HEV positive patients, bilirubin level was increased in 70.69% cases, whereas aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels were elevated in 68.37%, 58.13%, and 31.16% cases, respectively and in IgM HAV positive patients bilirubin level was increased in 57.48% of patients whereas AST (or serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase), ALT (or serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase) and ALP levels were elevated in 55.11%, 59.84%, and 42.51% of patients, respectively. Conclusions: The best means of reducing the spread of infection is by promoting simple measures of personal and community hygiene. However, these data will be useful for planning of future vaccination strategies and for better sanitation program in country.