Objective: To analyze the trend of hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection in Chongqing from 2010 to 2019

and to explore the diagnostic value of anti-HEV antibodies (IgM

IgG) in clinical hepatitis E (HE). Methods: The data and clinical medical records of anti-HEV antibodies (IgM and IgG) collected from The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University between 2010 and 2019 was analyzed retrospectively. The statistical differences in hepatic function index were analyzed among the single anti-HEV IgM positive group

the single anti-HEV IgG positive group

the anti-HEV IgM and IgG double positive group

and the control group

as well as the coincidence rate between positive anti-HEV antibody and clinical HE diagnosis was determined. Results: The total positive rate of anti-HEV antibodies was 8.4% (IgM: 2.4%

IgG: 6.8%) during this period

indicating that HEV showed an upward trend year by year

and the positive rate of anti-HEV IgG was mainly cause with the lowest 1.7%in 2012 and the highest 12.4%in 2018

but the positive rate of anti-HEV IgM showed no upward trend with the lowest 1.2%in 2016 and the highest 4.2%in 2010. There was no statistical differences between HEV infection season and genders (P>0.05). The HEV infection rate of the people under 50 years old was increased with age (P<0.017)

and the people more than 50 years old maintained at a high level. The diagnostic coincidence rate was as the highest as 96.3%of the double positive group

and as the lowest as 3.2%in the single anti-HEV IgG positive group (P<0.017). Conclusion: The cases of HEV infection were increased annually

which mainly came from previous infections. The single anti-HEV IgG positive indicator has limited diagnostic value for HE infection. The clinical diagnosis of HE should be based on the combination of liver dysfunction with the anti-HEV double positive or a single anti-HEV IgM positive. Moreover

the detection of HEV RNA and HEV Ag should be considered for the further study of HEV infection.