of acute hepatitis E occur in this country almost regularly. Although the real magnitude of HEV
prevalence has not been documented in Bangladesh, HEV infections and HEV-related acute hepatitis
of Bangladeshi origin have been reported from different parts of the world.
Methods: The study was conducted in Mirpur area of Dhaka city, which is a major residential area of
the capital of Bangladesh. Three hundred adults were randomly included in the study. None had any
history of jaundice or complains of liver diseases.
Results: The study revealed 30% prevalence of HEV in this population. The prevalence increased
with age, but there was no gender difference.
Conclusion: HEV is a highly prevalent disease in Bangladesh as elsewhere in the developing world.
Since there is no specific treatment for HEV, improvement of personal hygiene and ensuring supply
of safe food and drinking water remain most important approach to sustain the virus.