Infection status of hepatitis A virus and hepatitis E virus in people receiving health examination for army recruitment in Xicheng district, Beijing

Objective To evaluate the hepatitis A virus (HAV) and hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection status in people receiving health examination for army recruitment in Beijing and provide evidence for the prevention and control of viral hepatitis. Methods The blood samples were taken form the people receiving health examination for army recruitment selected by random sampling in Xicheng district of Beijing. Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was conducted to detect HAV-IgG, HAV-IgM, HEV-IgG and HEV-IgM and rate method was used to detect Alanine transaminase. Results Totally a total of 327 male subjects aged 17-24 years were enrolled in the study. The serological detection indicated that the overall HAV infection rate was 46.48%, and the overall HEV infection rate was 6.12%. Eight (2.45%) subjects were co-infected with HAV and HEV. The subclinical infection rate of HAV was 0.31%, and the subclinical infection rate of HEV was 2.45%. Conclusion Most people who plan to join the army are susceptible for HAV and HEV infections, and subclinical infections of HAV and HEV exist in these people. It is necessary to take effective measures for the prevention of viral hepatitis in this population.