An Epidemiological study of acute viral Hepatitis caused by Hepatitis E virus in Surendranagar district, Gujarat

Abstract

Background:-In developing country like India, particularly Surendranagar of Gujarat state where there is inadequate safe drinking water and sewage disposal problem , Hepatitis E virus out-break is very common. This study was carried out to know the effect of unsafe drinking water, unhealthy sewage disposal & its impact on patient’s health. Objective : To study clinical presentation and various laboratory parameters of acute viral hepatitis caused by Hepatitis E virus in Surendranagar district. Materials and Method: Retrospective study was carried out from Jan 2011 to March 2011. Results: In this study, total 1500 patient data were collected. Of them, majority of patients had higher Serum bilirubin and SGPT level. Serum bilirubin in patients was ranging from 1mg/dL to 45 mg/dL . SGPT was also higher ranging from 15 IU/L to >4000 IU/L. HEV Ig M by ELISA method was positive in 95% of all advised cases. They had symptoms of acute viral hepatitis like nausea, abdominal pain, jaundice, diarrhea and vomiting. Conclusion: For epidemic of acute viral hepatitis by Hepatitis E virus, unsafe drinking water, unhealthy sewage disposals are an important responsible factors and symptoms were similar to other viral hepatitis.