Prevalence of Hepatitis A in Clinically  Suspected Cases of Acute Viral Hepatitis in  Jamnagar, Gujarat, India

Dr Mehta Krunal; Dr Sheth Shruti; Dr Hitesh Shingala; Dr Mala Sinha

Volume : II, Issue : IV, April - 2013

Prevalence of Hepatitis A in Clinically Suspected Cases of Acute Viral Hepatitis in Jamnagar, Gujarat, India

Dr Mehta Krunal, Dr Sheth Shruti, Dr Hitesh Shingala, Dr Mala Sinha

Abstract :

Objective: Hepatitis A is one of the most common infections during childhood, transmitted by faeco oral route in Developing countries. This study was performed to detect the profile of Hepatitis A virus in clinically suspected cases of acute viral Hepatitis attending GGH hospital, Jamnagar, Gujarat. Material & Methods: Study was conducted in our institute from July 2012 to Dec 2012. Total 61 blood samples of patient suspected of acute viral hepatitis were collected and tested for anti HAV IgM antibody by ELISA method. Findings: Out of 61 samples, total 11 children (19.15%) were positive for anti HAV IgM antibody among this: 1.09 (81.8%) were < 5 years of age and only 02 (18.2%) were between 6-10 years of age. 2.07 were Boys and 04 were Girls. 3.Negative history of HAV vaccine in all cases. Conclusion: Study confirms that, HAV most commonly cause acute viral hepatitis in < 5yr, followed by 5-10 yr. In this present study there is no evidence of HAV infection in adults. HAV is more common in Male compare to female. It is concluded that in addition to other preventive measures, if children are to be vaccinated against hepatitis A they should be immunized against HAV by 1 year of age when the maternal antibodies disappear.