Viral hepatitis: Recent experiences from serological studies in Bangladesh

Infections due to hepatitis A (HAV), hepatitis B (HBV), hepatitis C (HCV) a nd hepatitis E (HEV) viruses are the major causes of hepatitis and are asso ciated with significant morbidity and mortality in developing countries lik e Bangladesh. The present study was carried out to determine the prevalence of HBsAg, anti-HCV antibody, anti-HAV antibody and anti-HEV antibody in pa tients suspected of having infection by HBV, HCV, HAV and HEV, respectively . Antibody to HAV was detected in 39% of subjects investigated. HBsAg was i dentified in 19% of subjects. Antibody to MCV and HEV was detected in 13% a nd 53% subjects, respectively. Infection with HAV was very high among child ren 6 less than or equal to years of age (100%). On the contrary, exposure to HEV was higher in adult persons greater than or equal to 30 years of age (52%) compared to that in children less than or equal to 6 years of age wh o had 0% incidence. Our study clearly indicates a high prevalence of those viruses, particularly of enterically transmitted HAV and HEV in Bangladesh, which appeared to be a serious health problem in this developing country. Control measures should be taken on an urgent basis to prevent the spread o f infections by these viruses.