Frequency of Viral Hepatitis among Symptomatic Patients Attending in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Dhaka

Author(s): Dr. Sanjoy Kumar Saha, Dr. Meherunnesa, Dr. Sajalendu Biswas, Dr. Mohammad Ashaduzzaman, Dr. Mohammed Obaydur Rahman, Dr. Fareya Nadir, Dr. Tasnim Ahmed, Dr. Md. Nuruzzaman

Background:

Acute viral hepatitis (AVH) is a major public health problem in developing countries like Bangladesh. Despite improving health awareness, sanitation and socio-economic conditions such infections continue to occur both in epidemic and sporadic forms in different parts of the country.

Aim of the study:

The aim of the study was to assess the frequency of viral hepatitis among symptomatic patients in the Dhaka city area.

Methods:

This prospective observational study was conducted in the Department of Medicine, Basundhara Ad-Din Medical College Hospital, Hasnabad, South Keranigonj, Dhaka, Bangladesh from June 2021 to July 2022. A total of 192 patients with clinical signs and symptoms of acute viral hepatitis were enrolled in this study as the study population. A purposive sampling technique was used in sample selection. All the demographic as well as clinical data were recorded. All data were processed, analyzed and disseminated by using MS Excel program.

Results:

In this study, the frequency of viral hepatitis among the total participants was 58%. Encephalopathy was reported in 47% of them. Hepatitis E (HEV) was absent in the ≤10 year’s age group, but its prevalence increased with age, reaching 43% in participants above 40 years. Hepatitis B (HBV) had the highest prevalence of 50% in the 11-20 years’ age group, with those above 40 years being largely free from HBV. Hepatitis C (HCV) varied across age groups, peaking at 25% in the 11-20 year’s age group, while those above 40 years were free from HCV.

Conclusion:

The frequency of viral hepatitis among symptomatic cases is alarming. While the prevalence of hepatitis E (HEV) is lower in younger individuals compared to adults, the occurrence of hepatitis A (HAV) is equally significant in both age groups.