Seroprevalence of Rubella Antibodies in Women of Reproductive Age Group

摘要

Introduction: Rubella is a mild exanthematous disease of worldwide distribution. However, there is risk of adverse pregnancy outcome and congenital defects in foetus when it infects susceptible pregnant women. The endemicity of rubella has been well established in India; still very few surveys are done. Thus, it is important to know proportion of women of childbearing age who are susceptible to rubella so as to know the risk of adverse pregnancy outcome.Aim: To know the seroprevalence of Rubella antibodies in women of reproductive age groupMaterials and Methods: A total of 120 women of reproductive age group were selected randomly. About 2-3 ml of single blood sample was collected from selected women. Sera was separated and tested for IgG and IgM antibodies specific for rubella virus by ELISA .Setting and Design: It was a cross-sectional study from December 2012 to August 2014. The study was conducted from December 2012 to August 2014 at Shri B M Patil Medical College, Hospital and Research Centre, BLDE University, Bijapur.Statistical analysis: Association between seroprevalence of Rubella and socio-demographic factors was found by using x2- test. Statistical analysis was done by software-SPSS17 version.Results: Overall prevalence of seropositivity of rubella IgG antibodies was 31.66% indicating they were immune for rubella infection. Seropositivity for IgM antibodies was found in one (0.83%) woman. Higher (40%) incidence of seropositivity for IgG antibodies was observed in women presenting with adverse pregnancy outcome than that of normal pregnancy outcome (29.1%). Rubella IgG seropositivity in age group of 16-25 year was 26.31% which increased to 40% in age group of 26-35 years.Conclusion: In our area substantial number of women reach child bearing age without acquiring natural immunity to Rubella. Hence, screening of rubella and immunization of women at risk are highly recommended in this area. Also continued evaluation of the susceptibility of women in the reproductive age to rubella infection is essential to set a strategy for prevention of congenital rubella syndrome.