Seroprevalence of Hepatitis E Antibodies in Asymptomatic Antenatal Women from Tertiary Care Centre, Puducherry

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is the most common cause of AVH in developing countries. HEV causes a self-limiting infection that is transmitted mainly through the consumption of contaminated food and water. Our study aimed to find out the seroprevalence of HEV infection. Detected both IgG & IgM antibodies from 100 asymptomatic antenatal women. ELISA (DIA PRO, Italy) was used to detect antibodies. Seropositivity was found in 9% of pregnant women, all might have been exposed to HEV infection previously. It could be unnoticed due to its self-limiting nature. IgG was 5% and IgM was 6%. Both IgM & IgG were detected in two pregnant women. Untreated water was used by the majority of women irrespective of their educational status. Though it is a self-limiting disease, it is necessary to screen for its antibody. Awareness about the modes of transmission & complications needs to be addressed in the community. It is necessary to do further studies for screening for HEV infection as there is a very limited number of studies published from South India.