Prevalence and Clinical Characteristics of Hepatitis E Virus Infection Among Pregnant Women Presenting with Acute Hepatitis

Abstract

Unsafe water, unsanitary conditions, or household overcrowding are responsible for a significant number of acute viral hepatitis cases among pregnant women due to the Hepatitis E Virus (HEV). The immune modulation, hormonal changes, and reduced hepatic reserve during pregnancy make them more vulnerable to the injury caused by the virus. This academic model study included the prevalence, the demographic pattern, clinical profile, and severity markers of pregnant women with acute hepatitis. The study design was a retrospective cross-sectional study. From January 2024 to June 2025, 286 pregnant patients with admissions with symptoms of jaundice, elevated aminotransferase, dark urine, fever, vomiting, or right upper abdominal pain were reviewed. Anti-HEV IgM was detected in serum using ELISA. For women, the prevalence of HEV IgM was estimated at 27.6%, with a total of 79 women having positive test results. In the third trimester, rural women and women who reported unfiltered water use had the highest levels of positivity. The most common symptoms were jaundice, dark urine, fatigue, nausea/vomiting, and fever. More cases with severe hepatitis features occurred in HEV-positive cases. Results validate the routine screening, rapid severity assessment, counselling on safe water use, and increased monitoring of the mother and fetus in women who present with acute hepatitis.

Keywords: Hepatitis E virus; Pregnancy; Acute Hepatitis; Anti-HEV IgM; Jaundice; Maternal Outcome

Citation

Adeel Asghar. Prevalence and Clinical Characteristics of Hepatitis E Virus Infection Among Pregnant Women Presenting with Acute Hepatitis. WebLog J Hepatol. wjhp.2026.i1802. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.23104008