A Study of Seroprevalence of Rubella Among School Girls and AnteNatal Women

Abstract

Background: Rubella is the leading vaccinepreventable cause of birth defects. Rubella infection in pregnant women may cause fatal death or congenital defects known as congenital rubella syndrome. Still, Rubella vaccination is not part of the universal immunization program in the country. Aim: To study the seroprevalence of rubella in adolescent school girls and ante-natal women. Methods: A multi-centric study to determine the seroprevalence of rubella among children and families was carried out in Delhi and Pune so as to arrive at a decision to find out the magnitude of the problem. Six hundred antenatal mothers attending service hospital OPD and six hundred school students of classes VI to XII were evaluated for presence of rubella IgG and IgM. In addition, certain socioeconomic parameters were also studied. Result: It was found that 29% girls in Pune and 24% in Delhi were susceptible to Rubella. The agestratified seroprevalence shows susceptibility to rubella decreased as the age increased among the girls of Pune. Approximately 10% of the screened ante-women were susceptible to Rubella in both cities. Conclusion: Ten percent of the mothers were susceptible to rubella infection during pregnancy and are thus at a risk of giving birth to babies with Congenital Rubella Syndrome. The adolescent girls though had a higher prevalence of seronegativity. World Health Organisation (WHO) has long ago recommended universal immunisation against Rubella. It is logical that rubella vaccine should be introduced in the immunization schedule for school going girls.