Related Experiment Videos
Aetiology of acute hepatitis in Malaysia
Abstract:
Icteric patients with clinical and biochemical evidence of liver disease, admitted into various hospitals in Malaysia, were investigated to determine the cause of their infection. Of these patients, 11.0% (16/145) were found positive for IgM anti-HAV (EIA), 4.1% (6/145) for IgM anti-HBc (EIA), 1.0% (1/102) for IgM anti-CMV (ELISA), 17.2% (16/64) for rising titres of leptospiral agglutinin, and none for heterophile antibody of EBV. Hepatitis NANB accounted for 67.9% of cases. The mean serum transaminases (ALT and AST) values in patients with hepatitis A and B were higher (more than 500IU) than in patients with leptospirosis or non-A, non-B hepatitis, whereas serum bilirubin levels were higher in patients with hepatitis A and leptospirosis than in patients with hepatitis B.
Insights
This study investigated causes of liver disease in Malaysian patients. Hepatitis NANB was the most common cause, followed by Hepatitis A and Leptospirosis.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Infectious Diseases
- Clinical Diagnostics
Background:
- Jaundice and liver disease are significant health concerns requiring etiological investigation.
- Accurate diagnosis of liver disease in Malaysia is crucial for effective public health management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify the causative agents of liver disease in jaundiced patients admitted to Malaysian hospitals.
- To compare etiological profiles and biochemical markers across different liver disease causes.
Main Methods:
- Serological tests including IgM anti-HAV (EIA), IgM anti-HBc (EIA), IgM anti-CMV (ELISA), and leptospiral agglutinin titres were performed.
- Hepatitis NANB was diagnosed based on exclusion of other viral hepatitis causes.
- Serum transaminases (ALT, AST) and bilirubin levels were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Hepatitis NANB accounted for 67.9% of cases.
- Hepatitis A (IgM anti-HAV) was detected in 11.0% and Hepatitis B (IgM anti-HBc) in 4.1% of patients.
- Leptospirosis was identified in 17.2% of patients, with higher serum bilirubin levels compared to Hepatitis B.
Conclusions:
- Hepatitis NANB is the predominant cause of hepatitis in this Malaysian cohort.
- Hepatitis A and Leptospirosis present with elevated bilirubin, while Hepatitis A and B show higher transaminases.
- Comprehensive etiological diagnosis is essential for managing liver disease effectively.