Comparative Analysis of Hepatitis E and A in Children: Clinical Manifestations and Epidemiological Patterns in Kyrgyzstan

Kursanali Tashov; Jumagul Anarbaeva; Altynai Murzakulova; Baktygul Abdyraeva; Anarkan Tashpolotova; Mamazia Abdikerimov; Anara Djumagulova; Madina Mambetova; Gulmira  Suranbaeva; Yethindra Vityala

Kursanali Tashov Department of Epidemiology, Osh state university, Osh, Kyrgyz Republic
Jumagul Anarbaeva Department of Infectious Diseases, I K Akhunbaev Kyrgyz State Medical Academy, Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic
Altynai Murzakulova Department of Epidemiology, Osh state university, Osh, Kyrgyz Republic
Baktygul Abdyraeva Department of Infectious Diseases, I K Akhunbaev Kyrgyz State Medical Academy, Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic
Anarkan Tashpolotova Department of Obstetrics and Pediatrics, Zhalal-Abad State University, Zhalal-Abad, Kyrgyz Republic
Mamazia Abdikerimov Department of Infectious Diseases, B N Yeltsin Kyrgyz-Russian Slavic University, Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic
Anara Djumagulova Department of Infectious Diseases, I K Akhunbaev Kyrgyz State Medical Academy, Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic
Madina Mambetova Department of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, I K Akhunbaev Kyrgyz State Medical Academy, Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic
Gulmira Suranbaeva Department of Infectious Diseases, I K Akhunbaev Kyrgyz State Medical Academy, Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic
Yethindra Vityala Honorary International Faculty, A J Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, Mangaluru, India

Keywords: Viral hepatitis E, acute viral hepatitis, hepatitis A virus, children, seroprevalence.

Abstract

Introduction: Viral hepatitis E (HEV) poses a significant global health
challenge with limited research on its impact on children. This
retrospective study aimed to identify the clinical and laboratory features
of HEV in children and compare them with those of hepatitis A virus
(HAV) infections in the Kyrgyz Republic.
Methods: Clinical and laboratory data from children diagnosed with HEV
(n=31) and HAV (n=42) at the three regional hospitals were analyzed.
Results: HEV cases were predominantly male (74.1%), aged 1-5 years
(42%), and from rural areas (77.4%), while HAV showed no significant
gender or urban-rural disparity. HEV patients experienced a more severe
clinical course, with 13% classified as severe compared with 4.7% of HAV
cases. HEV infection resulted in prolonged symptom duration during
the pre-jaundice and jaundice phases, with longer periods of fever,
weakness, decreased appetite, vomiting, and abdominal pain (P<0.05).
Blood biochemistry revealed higher total and indirect bilirubin levels
in HEV patients (P<0.05) and lower total protein levels in severe HEV
cases (P<0.05). The mean hospitalization duration was longer for HEV
(17.2±1.3 days) than HAV (12.7±1.2 days; P<0.05).
Conclusion: The study found the clinical manifestations of children
with HEV were severe and longer in duration as compared to children
with HAV. These findings highlight the importance of timely diagnosis
of HEV and preventive measures, particularly in rural areas.

How to cite this article:
Tashov K, Anarbaeva J, Murzakulova A,
Abdyraeva B, Tashpolotova A, Abdikerimov M,
Djumagulova A, Mambetova M, Suranbaeva
G, Vityala Y. Comparative Analysis of Hepatitis
E and A in Children: Clinical Manifestations
and Epidemiological Patterns in Kyrgyzstan. J
Commun Dis. 2025;57(1):65-72.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.24321/0019.5138.202507

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