DOI: 10.36347/sjams.2019.v07i05.063

Pages: 2006-2009

Introduction: Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a single stranded RNA virus causing significant threat to life primarily in pregnant mothers and immunocompromised patients. As it is primarily transmitted by faeco oral route, it indirectly indicates the hygienic and sanitary conditions of the community. This study is conducted to identify the presence of HEV exposure in our area. Materials and Methods: 2ml of blood samples, from around 200 apparently healthy individuals attending Master Health checkup were collected and tested for the presence of Anti HEV IgG antibodies by ELISA method. Results: Of the 200 study population 116 were males and 84 were females and majority of them were in the age group of 31-50 years (75.5%).Among the samples tested 10.5% were positive for Anti HEV IgG antibodies, with males contributing for 71.43% and females 28.57%. Common age group affected was 31-40 years (66.67%). Conclusion: This study indicates that the seropositivity rate in our area is less when compared to other parts of India. HEV surveillance programmes in all parts of India are needed to provide appropriate health recommendations to bring down the incidence of this emerging virus infection