Prevalence of Hepatitis A Virus and Hepatitis E Virus Infection in the Patients Presenting with Acute Viral Hepatitis in Eastern India: A Cross-sectional Study

Introduction: Enterically transmitted Hepatitis A Virus (HAV) and E (HEV) are the most common cause of Acute Viral (AVH) a major health concern in developing nations like India. Both viruses AVH spread predominantly through faecal-oral pathway, commonly contaminated water. Aim: To estimate prevalence HAV HEV infection patients presenting with AVH. Materials Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study was undertaken Indira Gandhi Institute Medical Sciences, Bihar. The conducted over period 24 months from November 2019 to October 2021. All were included as participants. blood samples subjected test anti-HAV anti-HEV positivity. Prevalence calculated taking total cases denominator. Patients confirmed HCV, HBV any other hepatitis excluded study. Templates generated an Microsoft Excel spreadsheet analysis data done using Statistical Package Social Sciences software (SPSS) version 20.0. Quantitative presented frequency percentages. Results: 682 acute hepatitis. comprised 467 males (68.5%) 215 (31.5%) females mean age 39.6±18.87 years. current reports seroprevalence 9.18% 8.35% HEV. 4 tested positive for coinfection Most belonged group less than or equal 12 years (25,58.1%) none more 60 However, children them aged between 13 (46,92%). male preponderance among (28,65.1%), (38,76%) noted. Conclusion: Low noted, younger patients. Further studies vaccination along surveillance system strengthening warranted.