Publication: Hepatitis E in the State of Sikkim (North East India)-A report on an outbreak
Date
2018
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Kathmandu University
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Background
Hepatitis E virus is a significant public health menace in developing countries and
is being reported from newer geographical regions. It is enterically transmitted and
causes acute hepatitis.
Objective
The objective of this study is to correlate the patient details from outbreak of
Hepatitis E in 2012 with the water culture done during that period.
Method
Records of the patients with Hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection in 2012 were analysed.
Their serum samples were tested for Immunoglobulin M (IgM) Hepatitis E virus by
rapid immunochormatography (ICT) and further confirmed by Immunoglobulin M
Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (IgM ELISA) in National Centre for Disease
Control, New Delhi. Water was tested by the Multiple Tube test method using double
strength Mc Conkey broth with neutral red and H2S test method.
Result
Patients with febrile jaundice (n-62) were screened for Hepatitis E virus and 32 were
positive by rapid Immunochromatography test and Enzyme linked immunosorbent
assay. The overall attack rate was 0.03%. Drinking water from ten different localities
in Gangtok were tested and 83% of the water were found to be unsatisfactory for
drinking during that period.
Conclusion
Regular testing of water quality and public education and awareness is important to
curb such outbreaks in future.
KEY WORDS
Acute hepatitis, Hepatitis E virus, Outbreak, Sikkim
Description
Gurung S, Bhutia PY, Sharma T
Department of Microbiology
STNM Hospital, Gangtok, Sikkim
Keywords
Acute hepatitis, Hepatitis E virus, Outbreak, Sikkim