Seroprevalence and risk factors of Hepatitis A and E virus infections in a tertiary care hospital: A retrospective analysis

Hepatitis A virus (HAV) and hepatitis E virus (HEV)
are major causes of acute viral hepatitis in developing
countries, exhibiting distinct regional and seasonal
patterns. This study aimed to assess the seroprevalence
and associated risk factors for HAV and HEV infections
in a tertiary care hospital. A retrospective analysis was
conducted on over 1,400 clinically suspected cases
over a period of 19 months (January 2024 to July
2025). Serological detection of HAV and HEV was
performed using ELISA. Various risk factors were
assessed and logistic regression analysis was applied
to identify key risk factors for viral hepatitis infection.
The overall seroprevalence of HAV was observed to be
47.48%, which is markedly higher than that of HEV at
6.4%. HAV infection was significantly more prevalent
in individuals under the age of 20 years. A pronounced
seasonal surge in HAV cases was observed during the
monsoon months (June–September), while HEV
incidence remained low during this period. Various
clinical factors such as dark urine, jaundice,
abdominal pain, fever, vomiting and nausea were
significantly associated with HAV (p < 0.05). This
study highlights a high burden of HAV, particularly
among younger population, with clear seasonal and
symptomatic associations. Enhanced vaccination
coverage, improved sanitation and access to safe
drinking water are essential to reduce the transmission
of hepatitis infection.