[Hepatitis B virus infection: a public health problem in Madagascar].

In this article, the authors summarize studies on hepatitis B virus infection in Madagascar. Estimated prevalence rate for acute or chronic HBs antigen infection is 23% among general population which classify the country in high endemicity area. Vertical and horizontal transmissions for the childhood are high with an estimated prevalence rate for HBs antigen infection of 10 to 35% among children under less than 5-year-old according to areas. This situation indicates that an expanded program of immunization against hepatitis B virus is warranted.