A review on prevalence, clinical features, and risk factors of hepatitis A virus infection in Sri Lanka

Hepatitis A virus (HAV), which causes hepatitis A, remains a global public health concern. HAV is transmitted primarily through the faeco-oral route, either by ingestion of contaminated food or water or through direct person-to-person contact. HAV causes acute viral hepatitis but does not lead to chronic infection. This review examined locally published literature on the prevalence, clinical features, and risk factors of HAV infection in Sri Lanka. A literature search was conducted on publicly accessible PubMed, SLJOL and DOAJ databases on 1st June 2025 using a keyword search [hepatitis A] OR [type A hepatitis] AND [Sri Lanka]. The search yielded 46 publications, of which nine research articles were included in the present review. The findings showed that the sero-prevalence of HAV infections in Sri Lanka ranged from 10.8% to 88.8%. Sri Lanka shows a widespread exposure to HAV, with differences in sero-prevalence across geographical areas and study cohorts. The reported clinical features were comparable to those described in the global literature. Risk factors for acquiring HAV infection included poor knowledge of hepatitis A, poor hygiene, unsafe drinking water, low income, and urban residence.