Seroprevalence of Viral Hepatitis in A Tertiary Care Hospital
Viral Hepatitis
Keywords:
Viral Hepatitis, Seroprevalence, Acute Hepatitis, Chronic Hepatitis, ELISAAbstract
Background: Viral hepatitis remains a significant global public health concern, accounting for over one million deaths annually. Acute hepatitis is often caused by the hepatitis A and E viruses, and it can progress to acute liver failure. Chronic hepatitis, primarily due to Hepatitis B and C viruses, often remains asymptomatic until it leads to seriouscomplications such as cirrhosis and hepatocellularcarcinoma.
Aim and Objective: This study aims to assess the seroprevalence of viral hepatitis among clinically suspected patients presenting to a tertiary care hospital.
Materials and Methods:A retrospective analysis was carried out on probable viral hepatitis cases, based on blood samples received from RH Patiala and processed at the Virus Research and Diagnostic Laboratory (VRDL), Department of Microbiology, over a period of three months. Serological testing of all the samples was performed, by using rapid card tests and confirmation is done by ELISA for HEV IgM antibodies, HBsAg of HBV and anti HCV IgG antibodies.
Results:The seroprevalence of hepatitis markers observed in our study was as follows: HCV – 7.48%, HBV – 1.69%, HEV – 3.13%, and HAV – 15.6%. Among cases of acute hepatitis, HAV positivity was notably higher than HEV, whereas in chronic hepatitis, HCV positivity exceeded that of HBV.Gender-wise distribution showed a higher proportion of males testing positive across all hepatitis markers: HEV (58.33%), HCV (51.83%), HBV (50.74%), and HAV (56.86%).Age-wise analysis revealed that the majority of positive cases for HCV (69.59%), HBV (63.33%), and HEV (66.66%) occurred in the 20–60-year age group, while HAV positivity was predominantly observed in the 0–20-year age group (60%).
Conclusion: Viral hepatitis poses a substantial public health burden; however, its transmission can be effectively reduced through the implementation of comprehensive control strategies. These include timely laboratory diagnosis, appropriate therapeutic interventions, and widespread vaccination efforts. Strengthening these measures is essential to limit disease spread and reduce associated morbidity and mortality.
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