Prevalence of hepatitis B virus serologic markers in pregnant patients in Antananarivo, Madagascar

Background and objectives: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a major public health problem in Madagascar. Its severity is related to the risk of chronicity, especially in case of neonatal contamination. Our objectives were to investigate the prevalence of HBV infection among pregnant patients at the Befelatanana obstetrics and gynecology teaching hospital department (BOGTH) by detecting HBsAg and to evaluate the risk of HBV mother to child transmission by screening for HBeAg. Methods: We conducted a 6-month prospective study in the BTHOGD from February 2012 to July 2012. All pregnant patients consulting for antenatal care were screened for HBV serologic markers. Results: The prevalence of HBsAg was 1.9% (20 out 1050 screened patients). The average age was 26.51 years (25-30 years). Most patients tested were unaware of their hepatitis B status and only 0.38% had been vaccinated before pregnancy. Only 1 (5%) of the 20 patients with HBsAg was positive for HBeAg. Conclusion: Hepatitis B is very frequent in pregnant patients in Madagascar and it is recommended that all pregnant patients be routinely screened for HBsAg. This screening of maternal infection would allow applying prophylactic measures to neonates to decrease the risk of disease chronicity.