Epidemiology study of viral human hepatitis in North- East Algeria in correlation with weather parameters

Abstract

In order to determine the epidemiological and clinical profile of hepatitis in the Mila region, we collected the data from this retrospective analytical descriptive study at the level of the infectious diseases service of the Department of Prevention and Epidemiology within Chelghoum Laid, Tadjenanet, Ferdjioua and Mila, and the central laboratory service, serology unit of a public hospital establishment Houari Boumedien, Chelghoum Laid, during a period extending from January 2020 to December 2024 and a prospective study lasting three months (from January to May 2025), 684 cases were reported.The descriptive analytical study showed that among the reported cases 55.84% were male and 44,15% were female. Patients between (10 - 14 years old) are the most exposed to the disease, followed by patients between (5 – 9 years old).The years 2023 and 2024 recorded the highest infection rates with35,38% and 39,18% respectively. The predominance of this virus is noted during the autumn season. The highest number of infected cases was noted in the region of Mila, followed by Chelghoum Laid. Hepatitis A is the most common type with a percentage of 55.76%. Hepatitis B affects little more of female individuals than males, and the age group of [45 - 64] .Hepatitis C affects the age group over 65 and predominates during the winter and autumn seasons. Climatic conditions in the city of Mila including ambient humidity and precipitation are believed to be the cause of the increase in the hepatitis index, especially for hepatitis Our prospective study during the first five months in the serology laboratory at the level of Department of Prevention and Epidemiology within Ferdjioua confirms our retrospective analytical study because we obtained the same results concerning the effect of sex and age on the distribution of hepatitis.