ISSN: 0973-7510
E-ISSN: 2581-690X
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a spherical, non-enveloped, single stranded RNA virus. It has five genotypes. Enterically transmitted hepatitis E virus is a major cause of outbreaks & sporadic cases of viral hepatitis in developing countries like India. Several reports are available in India about well characterised HEV cases, which are mainly about large scale epidemics in communities. However information about the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of HEV cases which may be epidemic or sporadic in origin are scanty in India. This study was planned to determine IgM antibodies and thereby evaluate the Seroprevalence of Hepatitis E in patients with acute hepatitis in Central Delhi & adjoining areas. Prevalence of hepatitis E was studied over a period of two year in 3945 patients by the demonstration of IgM antibodies. In 3945 patients 661 (16.75%) were positive for hepatitis E. Hepatitis E was mainly seen in between April-June. Primary prevention is the cornerstone of HEV control which mainly depends upon improvement of sanitary conditions.
Seroprevalence, Hepatitis E virus, Viral Hepatitis, Enterically transmitted
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