Sero-prevalence of Japanese Encephalitis (JE) among Nepalese Children

Background: Japanese encephalitis (JE) is one of the major public health problems particularly in the Terai regions of Nepal. Childrens upto the age of 15 years are more susceptible for JE. The present study was conducted to aim the sero-prevalence of JE among children of Nepal.
Methods: The samples were collected and processed at National Public Health Laboratory (NPHL). In this study, children of age upto 15 years defined with Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) were studied. A total 1009 samples, were collected and tested by MAC ELISA technique for the detection of Anti JEV-IgM.
Results: From the processed samples, 107 (10.61%) were found positive for Anti JEV-IgM. Among total JE seropositive cases, 58 (54.21%) were male and 49 (45.79%) were female and found no significant difference in distribution of disease among gender (χ²=1.03, P>0.05). The majority of seropositive cases (40.18%) were found in the children of 6 to 10 years of age. The highest number of seropositive cases (34, 29.31%) were detected from Mid Western Development Region (MWDR) followed by Far Western Development Region (25%). Analyzing month wise seasonal variation, the sero-positivity rate was highest in the month of August (28.89%) followed by September (18.37%) and no positive cases were found in the month of March.
Conclusions: In conclusion, the higher prevalence of JE among Nepalese children indicates alarming seasonal endemicity of the disease.