[Serodiagnosis of acute hepatitis in adults patients: results of a prospective study in a central region of Tunisia]

ABSTRACT

Viral hepatitis is a public health problem in many parts of the globe. In Tunisia, the respective responsibility of five viruses [HAV, HDV, HBV, HCV and HEV] in the genesis of acute hepatitis in adults is only roughly indicated in the absence of suitable serological studies, given as important to plan appropriate preventive strategies. To approach the role of viral hepatitis in all adult with acute hepatitis, identify the current share of each virus A, B, C and E in the genesis of hepatitis and to study the epidemiological and evolution of these diseases. We conducted a prospective study over two years including patients aged from 15 to 65 years old, with clinical and / or biological acute hepatitis. Data were collected through a standard questionnaire wich covered sociodemographic charactereristics and risk factors. Blood samples were collected and were tested for IgM anti-HAV, IgM anti-HEV, HBsAg, IgM anti-HBc, anti-HCV antibodies .When serological tests were negatives, further explorations including immunological test, search for HCV RNA and a pharmacovigilance survey was conducted. Statistical analysis was performed by SPSS version 10.0 105 patients were included. Acute viral hepatitis was diagnosis in 70 patients [67%]. The proportion of patients with acute viral hepatitis A, B, C and E was 51.5%, 38.5%, 4.3% and 5.7% respectively. The risk factors of viral hepatitis A was drinking of untreated water and poor socioeconomic status. In the HBV group, the notion of sexual contact risk was found in 30% of cases. The small numbers of acute hepatitis E and C does not permit us to draw conclusions. Our study confirms the shift in age of onset of hepatitis A to the age of adolescence and young adulthood. The respective responsibilities of the different viruses studied in the genesis of acute hepatitis in adults in our area brings us closer of western populations where HAV infection predominates followed by HBV