Occurrence of Hepatitis E virus infection in patients screened for Hepatitis A virus

Abstract

: Infectious hepatitis can be caused by Hepatitis A and Hepatitis E viruses. Hepatitis E infection is a water-borne disease transmitted by faeco-oral route. It is a cause of major health problems in developing countries. Outbreaks can happen due to improper hygiene and poor sanitation. Hepatitis E infection shows similar mode of transmission and clinical features of Hepatitis A infection. : This study was conducted to investigate the occurrence of Hepatitis E virus infection in patients screened for hepatitis A virus.: This prospective surveillance study was conducted between March 2020 to March 2021 on 57 serum samples which is came for the screening of anti-Hepatitis A virus IgM by enhanced Chemiluminescence method. These samples were collected and tested for anti- Hepatitis E virus IgM by Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay.: Among 57 samples, 11 samples (19.3%) were positive for Hepatitis A Virus IgM, 13 samples (22.8%) were positive for Hepatitis E virus IgM, and 7 samples (12.3%) were positive for both.: Hepatitis E virus infections were more than Hepatitis A virus. Hepatitis E and Hepatitis A virus co- infection was also observed. Screening of both viruses is suggested for infectious hepatitis.