Simultaneous infection of Hepatitis A and Hepatitis E viruses amongst acute viral hepatitis patients: A hospital-based study from Uttarakhand

Background: Enterically transmitted viral agents like Hepatitis A virus (HAV) and Hepatitis E virus (HEV) are common causes of viral hepatitis in developing countries. Double infections by both agents, as their routes of entry are similar, are common. Overall this is a major health issue for our country. This study was carried out to learn about the seroprevalence of HAV & HEV (and double infections if any) infections in acute viral hepatitis (AVH) cases attending our hospital. Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective cross-sectional study of a 2-years duration carried out in the serology lab of Dept. of Microbiology, AIIMS Rishikesh. Continuously collected samples totaling 617 cases, presenting with Acute Viral Hepatitis was included in the study. Cases with suggestive history were tested for IgM anti-HAV and IgM anti-HEVrespectively. Commercially available ELISA kits were put into use. Standard Statistical Package (SPSS 23) was put to use for statistical analysis. Results: HAV & HEV seroprevalence in AVH cases were found to be 14.7% (91/617) and 28.04% (173/617), respectively. Dual infection of HAV and HEV was found in 5.9% (32/617) of study subjects. The prevalence of HAV and HEV among males were14.2% and 34.26%, respectively while that in female were 15.36% and 21.16%, respectively. Infection was predominantly found in young adults. Distinct seasonal variation was observed, period towards the end of monsoon, and beginning of winter recorded more cases. Both year, most of the positive cases are seen in the months of August and September. Conclusion: The infection rate of HEV is higher than HAV amongst AVH cases. This and relatively high co-infection rate (5.9%) is significant in terms of the need for regular screening of HEV in pregnant women as well as the urgent need to improve hygiene amongst the population. This data will help in future vaccine strategies and sanitation programs in this part of the country.