Hepatitis E Virus Prevalence in Dhaka City Found to be Affected by Climate Factors

Strategic Insights -

Researchers from Bangladesh Medical University have published a study on the prevalence of acute hepatitis A and E infections in Dhaka city. The study, which analyzed laboratory data from 2016 to 2023, found that 29.5% of the population was seropositive for hepatitis A virus (HAV) and 20.6% for hepatitis E virus (HEV). Notably, males were predominantly affected, with 65.1% of HAV and 76% of HEV cases found in men. The study also discovered that HAV was most common in those aged 10 and 11-20 years, while HEV was more prevalent in the 21-30 years age group. The researchers found that climatic factors, such as temperature, humidity, and rainfall, influenced the transmission of both viruses, with HAV transmission higher during autumn and late autumn, and HEV more prevalent during summer and the rainy season.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study analyzed test results for 19,542 individuals for HAV and 23,249 individuals for HEV from 2016 to 2023.
  • HAV was detected in 29.5% of the population, and HEV was found in 20.6%.
  • Males were predominantly seropositive for both HAV (65.1%) and HEV (76%).
  • HAV was most common in those aged 10 and 11-20 years (37.9%), while HEV was most common in the 21-30 years group (40.6%).
  • Climatic factors, such as temperature, humidity, and rainfall, influenced the transmission of both viruses.
  • HAV transmission was higher during autumn and late autumn, while HEV was more prevalent during summer and the rainy season.
  • M. Rashed Ul Islam, lead author of the study, emphasized that understanding these patterns can improve public health readiness and raise awareness of social health hygiene.

Statistics:

  • 29.5% of the population was seropositive for HAV.
  • 20.6% of the population was seropositive for HEV.
  • 65.1% of HAV cases were in males.
  • 76% of HEV cases were in males.
  • 37.9% of HAV cases were in the 10 and 11-20 years age group.
  • 40.6% of HEV cases were in the 21-30 years age group.

Sources:

  • "Association of climate variability with hepatitis A and E infections in Dhaka (2016-2023)." Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University Journal, 2025,18(3). (Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University Journal - http://www.banglajol.info/index.php/BSMMUJ/index).
  • Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University Journal. (Publisher)