Seroprevalence of rubella in antenatal women in and around Kirumampakkam, Puducherry

Abstract

Rubella is a mild self limiting vaccine preventable viral disease. Maternal Rubella infection during first trimester of pregnancy leads to abortion, still birth and Congenital Rubella Syndrome. Seroepidemiological studies conducted in different countries have shown that Rubella is a worldwide infection. The present study was conducted to assess the immunity status to Rubella among pregnant women in and around Kirumampakkam, Puducherry for a period of one year. A detailed history with special reference for previous bad obstetric history was collected after an informed consent. They were tested for Rubella IgG and IgM antibodies using commercially available kits. Overall seropositivity was 87.9% and 12% were susceptible to Rubella infection. 6.5% were positive to Rubella specific IgM antibodies. Percentage of seropositivity was seen to be increasing with age. The percentage of IgG negatives was higher among the cases with bad obstetric history. Cases from lower socioeconomic status had good immunity against Rubella. All the cases that had previous immunization record were positive for Rubella specific IgG antibodies. In conclusion, an action revamping the national immunization policy should be considered along with sero-surveillance of Rubella among adolescent girls and women of childbearing age before conception for the assessment and analysis of the situation, and take appropriate action to eradicate Rubella.