Frequency of Hepatitis a Virus as a Cause of Anicteric Hepatitis in Children Under 5 Years

Background and Aim: Globally, Acute viral hepatitis A is the widespread type of particularly in developing countries. Children under 5 year age are at greater risk asymptomatic infections, if they do develop symptoms, likely to experience anicteric illnesses. The present study aimed determine incidence virus as cause among children years. Methodology: cross-sectional was carried out on 380 (<5 years) Pediatric Medicine Department Qazi Hussain Ahmad Medical Complex Nowshera for duration from 1st July 2021 30th June 2022. Study protocol approved by institute ethical committee. with normal-colored urine, diarrhea, abdominal pain, vomiting, malaise, nausea, low-grade fever (< 38.5 °C) were investigated. Demographic details physical examination recorded elevated transaminase levels (ALT). transaminases only enrolled categorized into two groups: Group-I HAV-positive Group-II HAV negative groups. ones who had IgM antibodies against virus. ELISA used test anti-HAV IgM. Results: Of total children, (ALT, AST) 42.6% (n=162). frequency positive 13.6% (n=22) 86.4% (n=140) respectively. Out 162 there 84 (51.9%) male 78 (48.1%) females. Age-wise distribution patients follows: Age≥3 years 92 (56.8%) age≤ 70 (43.2%). infection rates significantly higher over 2 old (p <0.05). Abdominal Right hypochondrial tenderness, Arthralgia, Hepatomegaly different clinical manifestation found 20.7% (n=29) versus (n=3), 97.1% (n=136) 81.8% (n=18), 87.1% (n=122) vs 81.4% (n=114) 95.5% (n=21), 32.9% (n=46) (n=19), 38.6% (n=54) 59.1% (n=13), 4.3% (n=6) 18.2% (n=4) Conclusion: have infection. Diarrhea vomiting most prevalent < level maternal education, older age, poor sanitary conditions various factors related Keywords: Hepatitis A, Anicteric hepatitis,