Phylogenetic Analysis of Hepatitis E Virus in Northwest India

Abstract

Genotyping and subtyping are important to understand epidemiology of the hepatitis E virus so as to improve control measures to prevent transmission of virus in the community. Hence, the aim of the current study was to identify the prevalent HEV genotypes in Rajasthan in acute sporadic hepatitis E cases with varying degree of liver failure. We studied hepatitis E virus (HEV) isolates from hospitalized patients in Rajasthan, western India. In a total of seventeen HEV sequences, six acute viral hepatitis, seven acute liver failure, and 4 acute- on-chronic cases were analyzed. Subtypes 1a and 1c of HEV are prevalent in Northwest India.