Seroprevalence of Acute Hepatitis Caused by HAV & HEV in Gazipur, Bangladesh

Hepatitis A and E virus (HAV & HEV) are the most common causes of acute hepatitis. Both of them are endemic in South Asia; specially in the developing countries, like Bangladesh. This study was undertaken to determine the prevalence, age-specific prevalence and seasonal variation of Hepatitis A and Hepatitis E in Gazipur district. This cross-sectional study was conducted in 1118 patients presenting with acute viral hepatitis. All patients were tested for Anti-HAV IgM and Anti-HEV IgM by Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) method. The study population was divided into 7 groups according to their ages with 10 years interval. Among 1118 patients, 571(51.0%) & 203 (18.2%) were found HEV IgM positive and HAV IgM respectively. Rest 344 (30.8%) patients were negative for both HAV IgM & HEV IgM. 64.0% and 77.8% male patients were positive for HAV and HEV infection. In our study, it was found that 62.4% patients positive for Hepatitis A infection were less than 10 years and 73.9% & 70.5% HEV positive patients were in 31 years to 40 years and 41 years to 50 years age group. HAV & HEV infections occur all year round with a peak during hot seasons with great number of rains. It may be concluded with that both HAV & HEV infection can occur at any age throughout the year. But HAV affect more in children and HEV affect more in adults with a peak during hot seasons with great number of rains. Keywords: Hepatitis A, Hepatitis E, Anti HAV IgM, Anti HEV IgM, ELISA method. Read more →