A RETROSPECTIVE ANALYSIS OF HEPATITIS A INFECTION IN DADRA & NAGAR HAVELI.

Background: It is crucial to research the long-term trends of the Hepatitis A (HAV) virus given the diversity of socioeconomic and demographic factors in a large country like India. Their seroprevalence and long-term trends in a tertiary care facility in Dadra and Nagar Haveli, which is close to Gujarat and Maharashtra, are described in this study. Methods: Six years were covered by the current retrospective observational study (January 2019 to December 2024). IgM antibodies against HAV were detected through serological testing utilizing the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: A total of 1147 samples were tested during the study period, of which 149 (12.99%) were reactive for Anti-HAV IgM antibody. Among HAV group, 83 (55.70 %) were less than or equal to 12 years, 58 (38.92 %) were 13 to 60 years, and 8 (5.36 %) were more than 61 years. At the same time fluctuation was reported in the serum total bilirubin along with SGOT (Serum Glutamic Oxaloacetic Transaminase) AND SGPT (Serum Glutamic Pyruvic Transaminase). Conclusions: The shift in seroprevalence among children, along with an increasing trend of the number of cases reporting to the hospital, warrants active surveillance of HAV. Intervention, such as universal childhood vaccination program, must be properly implemented and time correctly.