Prevalence of HAV and HEV in Patients Presenting with Acute Viral Hepatitis in Silchar Medical College & Hospital

Background: Hepatitis A virus (HAV) and Hepatitis E virus (HEV) are both enterically transmitted, resulting in acute viral hepatitis (AVH) in developing countries. Both are self-limiting viral infection, transmitted by feco-oral route. Exposure rate of HAV and HEV over a period are different in different parts of country. Aim: This study was done to determine prevalence of HAV and HEV in patients presenting with AVH and the co-infection of HAV and HEV in these patients. Materials and Methods: A cross sectional study of 2 years duration was conducted in the Department of Microbiology, SMCH, Silchar. A non random sampling of 200 patients presenting with AVH was considered in the study. On the basis of history, serum sample were analyzed for IgM anti HAV and IgM anti HEV for the detection of HAV and HEV, respectively using commercially available ELISA kits. Results: The prevalence of HAV and HEV co-infection in patients with acute viral hepatitis was 32.5% (65 cases). HAV and HEV were most prevalent between 20 to 35years age group. Hepatitis A samples only 60 were positive and Hepatitis E samples only 5 were positive. Conclusion: Almost all HAV and HEV infectious are spread by feco-oral route. The best means of reducing the spread of infection is by promoting simple measures of personal and community hygiene such as hand washing before eating and after defecation, the sanitary disposal of excreta which will prevent contamination of water, food and milk, during epidemics, boiled water should be advocated for drinking purposes.