Prevalence of Acute Viral Hepatitis in Symptomatic Patients in a Tertiary Care Hospital of North India

Background: Acute Viral Hepatitis (AVH) is a major health problem worldwide, with a higher incidence in developing countries, like India. The most common cause of viral hepatitis is a specific group of hepatic viruses A, B, C and E (HAV, HBV, HCV and HEV). Their clinical manifestations range from asymptomatic to acute and fulminant hepatitis or chronic hepatitis. Exploring the etiological spectrum and clinic-epidemiological profile of AVH becomes essential for formulating the preventive measures to control the disease. The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence of Hepatitis A virus (HAV), Hepatitis B virus (HBV), Hepatitis C virus (HCV) and Hepatitis E virus (HEV) as causes of AVH in a tertiary care hospital of North India.

Materials and Methods: A retrospective study was conducted on 122 patients with clinical signs and symptoms of acute viral hepatitis during May 2021 to April 2022. Serum was separated and tested for IgM anti-HAV antibodies, IgM anti-HEV antibodies, Hepatitis B surface antigen (HbsAg) and IgM anti-HCV antibodies by Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA).

Results: Out of 122 AVH patients, HAV (41.80%) was identified as the most common cause of acute hepatitis followed by HEV (36.88%), HBV (17.21%) and HCV (13.11%). Co-infections with more than one virus were present in 28 cases; HAV-HEV co-infection being the most common. Amongst the positive AVH cases, the seropositivity was higher in males (60.65%) than females (39.34%). The most common symptom was Icterus (64.87%), followed by fever (52.51%), pain abdomen (50.91%), anorexia (46.22%), vomiting (26.24%), malaise (21.24%) and diarrhea (12.23%).

Conclusion: In our present study we have found that HAV is the most common cause of acute viral hepatitis followed by HEV, HBV and HCV with icterus being the most common symptom followed by fever, pain abdomen, anorexia, vomiting, malaise and diarrhea. Regular diagnosis of AVH and monitoring of cases will help in patient management and thus reduce morbidity and mortality.