Context: Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver, most commonly caused by a viral infection. Acute viral hepatitis (AVH) is a major public health problem and is an important cause of morbidity and mortality. Aim: The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence of parenterally-transmitted hepatitis viruses, hepatitis B virus (HBV) & hepatitis C virus (HCV) as causes of AVH in a tertiary care hospital of North India. Settings and Design: Blood samples were collected from patients with clinically suspected acute infectious hepatitis over a 1 year period. Subjects and Methods: Samples were tested for hepatitis B surface antigen & anti HCV IgG by the enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. Seroprevalence rate was calculated and stratified by age. Statistical Analysis Used: Fisher’s exact test was used and percentages were calculated for comparison. Results: The study population comprised of 9652 patients presenting with acute hepatitis. Samples were collected from patients with clinically suspected acute infectious hepatitis. Seroprevalence rate was calculated and stratified by age. Of the 9652 cases, 558 (5.8%) had a confirmed viral aetiology. HBV (3.96%) was identified as the most common cause of acute hepatitis compared to HCV (1.8%). Co-infections was present in 2 cases. Conclusions: Among the parentally transmitted viral hepatitis, HBV is more common and Health education & vaccination is necessary to control these infections.

Keywords: Seroprevalence; Hepatitis B; Hepatitis C; Viral Hepatitis.