Rubella IgG Antibodies Research Articles

A Serological Survey of Measles and Rubella Antibodies among Different Age Groups in Eastern China.

Measles and rubella are vaccine-preventable diseases targeted for elimination in most World Health Organization regions, and China is considered to have momentum towards measles elimination. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the population immunity levels against measles and rubella in Zhejiang Province in China in order to provide valuable insights for informing future public health measures and contributing to the ongoing global campaign against these diseases. A cross-sectional serological survey was conducted in 2022. A total of 2740 blood samples were collected from healthy individuals spanning the age range of 0-59 years, representing diverse demographic strata across 11 prefectures in Zhejiang Province in China. The sera were tested for measles and rubella IgG antibodies to determine positivity rates and geometric mean concentrations (GMCs). The overall positivity rate for the measles IgG antibody was 85.3%, with a GMC of 588.30 mIU/mL. The positivity rate for the rubella IgG antibody was 70.9%, and the GMC was 35.30 IU/mL. Measles IgG antibody positivity rates across the 0-11 months, 12-23 months, 24-35 months, 3-5 years, 6-9 years, 10-14 years, 15-19 years, 20-29 years, and 30-59 years age groups were 63.1%, 92.5%, 97.0%, 94.0%, 85.8%, 77.3%, 86.9%, 84.9%, and 88.7%, respectively (trend χ2 = 118.34, p < 0.001). Correspondingly, rubella antibody positivity rates for these same age brackets were 55.9%, 87.9%, 94.7%, 88.2%, 69.9%, 54.2%, 72.6%, 67.5%, and 74.3% (trend χ2 = 199.18, p < 0.001). Both univariate and multivariate analyses consistently demonstrated that age, immunization history, and differing economic levels were significant factors contributing to variations in antibody levels. The seroprevalence of measles and rubella was lower than that required for herd immunity. Periodic vaccination campaigns should be launched to increase immunity.

COMPARISON SEROPREVALENCE OF TOXOPLASMA GONDII, RUBELLA, AND CYTOMEGALOVIRUS IN MUŞ PROVINCE BEFORE AND DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMİC

The aim of this study is to determine the seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii), rubella and cytomegalovirus (CMV) and the primary infection rates of these agents with avidity test in pregnant women in Muş province. Additionally, the effect of prevention and protection measures implemented during the Covid-19 pandemic on the prevalence of T. gondii, rubella and CMV in pregnant women was also investigated. Between 2018 and 2021, IgG and IgM antibodies in the serum samples of pregnant women who applied to the Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics polyclinic of Muş State Hospital were examined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and chemiluminescence immunoassay (CLIA). High and low avidity assays were examined by enzyme linked fluorescence assay (ELFA). Low seroprevalence of T. gondii IgG antibody (28%) and the detection of low avidity detection in 38 of 102 pregnant women indicate that this parasite may be a risk for intrauterine life. Rubella IgG (89%) and CMV IgG (99%) antibodies were found to carry a low risk due to their high seroprevalence and avidity. It was determined that Covid-19 prevention and protection measures caused a significant decrease in the prevalence of rubella and CMV, but had no effect on the prevalence of T.gondii.

Feasibility and effectiveness of preconception check-ups at workplaces in Japan.

Despite the recent increase in infertility and perinatal complications, preconception care is not commonly available in Japan. Working women are considered to have the greatest need for preconception care, as increasingly they marry and have children later in life. This study aimed to assess the feasibility and effectiveness of preconception check-ups in the workplace. We provided 51 female employees aged 18-39years with free preconception check-ups, including additional blood tests and an online medical questionnaire, during mandatory health check-ups at their workplace. A doctor provided online counseling based on the check-up results. We assessed fertility knowledge using the Cardiff Fertility Knowledge Scale (CFKS-J) and childbearing desire pre- and postintervention. Preconception check-ups revealed various potential risk factors for future pregnancies, including underweight (12%), obesity (20%), Chlamydia trachomatis IgG antibody positivity (22%), low rubella IgG antibody levels (47%), iron deficiency (12%), and 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels <30ng/mL (98%). Postintervention, the participants reported high satisfaction with the check-ups and significantly advanced their reproductive plans (P = .008). Furthermore, 95% of the participants indicated an intention to seek medical attention or make lifestyle changes. The postintervention CFKS-J score (mean [SD]) was higher than the preintervention score (71.7 [19.3] vs 63.0 [22.0]; P = .006). We developed a preconception check-up package that can be integrated into workplace health examinations, complemented by tailored counseling. This novel check-up package is a feasible and effective approach for improving preconception health and fertility awareness.

Seroprevalence of Measles and Rubella IgG Antibodies in Children and Pregnant Women in Iran

Background: Complete immunization against Rubella and Measles (MR) in pediatrics is achieved using 2 doses of the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella-containing vaccine (MMR) in Iran at 12 and 18 months of age, where more than 95% of children under 5 years of age are vaccinated. Antibody waning in mothers and older children, and genetic diversity in immune responses may render them susceptible to infections. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the diversity in immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibody levels against these two viruses in pregnant women, infants younger than 2 months, children at 6, 12, and 18 months, and 5 - 6 years of age in Iran. Methods: This study was conducted on serum specimens sent to the National Reference Laboratory for Measles and Rubella in Tehran, Iran, from children under 2 months (n: 50), 6 (n: 54), 12 (n: 54), and 18 (n: 39) months, and 5 - 6 years old (n: 49), as well as women at 37 weeks of pregnancy (n: 53), from May to December 2020. Rubella and Measles-specific IgG were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit. Results: Among serum samples from different provinces of Iran, the lowest positive level of Measles IgG was observed in children aged 6 and 12 months (7.41%), while the highest positive level was found in children aged 18 months (84.62%). For Rubella, the lowest IgG-positive level was seen in children aged 11 - 13 months (11.11%), while the highest positive level was observed in the 5 - 6 years old group (83.67%). Antibody levels against measles and rubella were higher in pregnant women than in children. Conclusions: Measles and Rubella antibody titers were lower in children 12 months before vaccination and reached a positive level in children aged 18 months post-vaccination. Whereas, lower Measles IgG levels in 5 - 6 years old children compared to 18 months old children may be due to waning antibodies. Pregnant women exhibited high levels of protection against these viruses (more than 80% had positive rubella IgG), as anticipated from outcomes of the national vaccination program in 2004.

Rubella seroprevalence among unvaccinated school-aged children in Jos, North Central, Nigeria.

rubella poses a significant public health threat, particularly in developing countries, where congenital rubella remains a preventable concern. This cross-sectional study examined rubella seroprevalence among children aged 10 and under from May to September 2016 in Jos, Nigeria. using a multistage sampling method, eligible participants who had not been vaccinated against the rubella virus and consented to participate in the study were recruited across schools in the city. Rubella-specific IgG and IgM antibodies were detected from eluted serum collected from the participants using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Data analysis and visualization was done using the R software version 4.3.1. of the 405 participants investigated in this study, 336 (82.96%) tested positive for rubella IgG, while 9 (2.22%) tested positive for rubella IgM. Factors such as age ≥ 5 years and lack of Western education showed significant associations with rubella seropositivity. this study highlights the seroprevalence of rubella IgG and IgM antibodies among children aged 10 and under in Jos, Nigeria. The significant associations between rubella seropositivity and factors such as age ≥ 5 years and lack of Western education underscore the necessity for an effective rubella vaccination program to prevent congenital rubella syndrome (CRS).

The Susceptibility to Rubella Virus Infection among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Clinics in Unguja, Zanzibar: The Need to Employ Multiple Strategies to Control Congenital Rubella Syndrome in Tanzania

Aims: This study was conducted to determine the proportion of pregnant women susceptible to Rubella virus infection in Zanzibar, the information that might be useful in future control interventions.&#x0D; Study Design: A cross-sectional hospital-based study.&#x0D; Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in Unguja Zanzibar between May 2023 and July 2023.&#x0D; Methodology: Sociodemographic and other relevant information were collected from pregnant women attending antenatal clinics using structured questionnaires. Blood samples were collected from each consented woman. Detection of Rubella IgG antibodies was done by an indirect Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay. Data analysis was done by using STATA version 15.&#x0D; Results: The median age of enrolled participants was 27[Interquartile range (IQR): 23-31] years while the median gestation age was 28 [IQR: 20-32] weeks. Out of 171 participants, 10/171(5.8%) [95% Cl:2-9.6%] were negative to Rubella virus IgG antibodies indicating susceptibility to active Rubella virus infection that can lead to Congenital Rubella Syndrome. On multivariate analysis, history of congenital malformations (OR: 27.4, 95% CI: 1.29-580.5, p=0.033) was significantly associated with susceptibility to Rubella virus infection.&#x0D; Conclusion: Despite high level of natural immunity, there is a considerable proportion of pregnant women in Zanzibar susceptible to Rubella virus infection necessitating the need for multiple strategies to reach a goal of Congenital Rubella Syndrome elimination.

Seroepidemiology study of rubella virus antibodies among neonates and pregnant women at hospitals in Henan province, China.

Rubella virus infection can cause vertical transmission to the fetus during pregnancy. In China's Henan province, rubella surveillance needs to be well-established. In this research, a total of 1933 neonates and 2502 pregnant women were enrolled, and their sera for IgG and IgM antibodies against rubella were tested by chemiluminescence assay. Of 1933 neonates' sera tested, the seropositive of rubella IgG was 68.7%. The seroprevalence of rubella IgM in neonates was 0.4%. 30.9% of neonates had negative results for IgG and IgM antibodies. Two thousand five hundred and two pregnant women participated in the serosurvey, and 79.3% were rubella IgG positive. Rubella IgG seropositivity in pregnant women differed by age and number of births. 0.8% of the pregnant women had positive results for IgM against the rubella virus. The seronegative of rubella IgG and IgM antibodies in pregnant women was 19.8%. Due to the negative rubella-specific IgG antibody, many neonates remain at risk of rubella virus infection. Rubella virus continues to spread since some neonates and pregnant women with rubella-specific IgM antibody positive have been detected. Rubella vaccination may be introduced for childbearing-age women to increase immunity levels against rubella with periodic sero-surveillance.

Rubella Vaccine Uptake among Women of Childbearing Age in Healthcare Settings.

Rubella is a contagious viral infection that occurs most often in children and young adults. Rubella is the leading vaccine-preventable cause of birth defects. Rubella infection in pregnant women may cause fetal death or congenital defects known as congenital rubella syndrome. There is no specific treatment for rubella, but the disease is preventable by vaccination with an efficacy of over 95%. Vaccination coverage is still below the recommended levels and many cases have occurred worldwide. The COVID-19 pandemic has had a negative impact on the immunization programs and the quality of disease surveillance worldwide. Operators of the healthcare setting are at increased risk of infection due to their work duties and should receive preventive vaccination or serologic protection to work in a healthcare setting. To evaluate the serological evidence of rubella IgG antibodies in female healthcare operators of childbearing age, to assess the risk of a breakthrough infection and the need for an additional dose of vaccine. We collected age and antibody titers from 449 young female operators aged <50 years who underwent the periodic surveillance at the Occupational Medicine Unit of the Policlinico Tor Vergata, Rome, from January to July 2022. Subjects were considered immune if the anti-rubella IgG titer was >11.00 IU/mL. The rate of serologically unprotected subjects was 9.13% (41/449). The mean age of protected subjects was 26.93 years, while the mean age of unprotected subjects was 28.24 years. Age did not correlate with mean titer on statistical analysis (p = 0.10). The acceptance rate among unprotected operators was 31.7%. A positive attitude towards vaccination was found in 11/28 (39.3%) of the unvaccinated subjects, while a negative tendency was found in 2/28 (7.1%) of these subjects; most of the unvaccinated operators 15/28 (53.6%) prefer to postpone the administration of the vaccine. When compared with a similar population from the pre-pandemic period, the actual proportion of immune female subjects was not significantly different from that found in 2019 (90.87% vs. 90.3%). Protection against rubella was suboptimal among female healthcare workers of childbearing age. Acceptance of the rubella vaccine among these operators was low. Most of those who were hesitant intended to postpone the vaccination, while a minority had negative attitudes toward vaccination. A policy of mandatory vaccination policy should overcome the reluctance of operators.

Estimation of Rubella virus antibodies among aborted women in Ibb City-Yemen

German measles is a public health disease caused by rubella virus resulting in adverse consequences among pregnant women as congenital rubella syndrome (CRS) including abortions. Abortion is one of the most common health problems in the world. So, this study purposed to estimate prevalence of rubella virus antibodies among aborted women in Ibb city, Yemen. A cross-sectional investigation was accomplished from January 2022 to June 2022. 150 serum samples were collected from aborted women attending the obstetrics and gynecology department of various hospitals to analyze rubella virus IgG and IgM antibodies by Electro-Chemiluminescence Immunoassay (ECLIA). Demographical and clinical features were collected using a questionnaire. The data were analyzed using GraphPad software and P values ≤0.05 were considered statistically significant. With regards to the prevalence of rubella virus antibodies among aborted women, 149 cases (99.3%) of aborted women were rubella IgG antibodies positive. Rubella virus IgM antibodies were negative (100%) in all aborted women. The prevalence of rubella virus IgG antibodies in the age 26-30 was less than in other age groups. Moreover, the seroprevalence of rubella virus IgG was higher in rural aborted women (100%) compared to urban ones. Demographical and clinical features among aborted women were not statistically significant concerning rubella IgG positive results. In conclusion, the low rate of rubella IgM and a high proportion of rubella IgG for the most aborted women in this study suggest that rubella infection might indicate a previous infection.

Rubella virus IgM and IgG antibodies with avidity in pregnant women and outcomes at a tertiary facility in Ghana.

Congenital rubella syndrome (CRS) is a recognised cause of childhood deafness and blindness caused by the transplacental transmission of rubella virus during pregnancy. Women in the reproductive age group, and by extension their unborn babies may therefore be at increased risk. The prevalence of Rubella virus specific IgM and IgG antibodies, including IgG avidity, was determined in pregnant women attending the antenatal clinic at a Teaching Hospital in Ghana. One hundred and forty-five women in their second and third trimesters of pregnancy from the outpatient clinic were recruited over a period of 2 months after written informed consent was obtained. Study participants completed a questionnaire and venous blood drawn for IgM, IgG, and avidity testing using SERION ELISA (SERION® Immunologics, Würzburg, Germany). Babies of mothers with positive or indeterminate IgM and low avidity IgG antibodies were offered specialist cardiological, ophthalmological or hearing assessment during follow up. One hundred and twenty-eight (88.3%) had only IgG antibodies, 5 (3.4%) had IgM and IgG antibodies, while 12 (8.3%) had no antibodies. No patient had IgM antibodies alone. Ten women (6.9%) had indeterminate levels of IgM antibodies. Majority of the women had high avidity IgG antibodies, while 5 (3.4%) had low avidity antibodies. No patient had IgM with low avidity antibodies. There was no statistical association between socio-demographic factors and the presence of IgM, IgG (low or high avidity) antibodies. Of all the children followed, none had the clinical definition of CRS. Consistent with the World Health Organization elimination strategy for measles and rubella viruses, non-immune women in the reproductive age group should be vaccinated. The immunization programme should be expanded to include teenagers and adults. Though Congenital Rubella Syndrome was not detected, the risk still remains.

Study the changes in vitamin D3, magnesium, phosphorus, parathyroid hormone and calcium levels among women positive for SARS-2 n COVID-19 concerning rubella infection

Background: After February 2020, SarsnovelCovid-19 became pandemic; therefore, Iraqi people were implicated in this enigma. Rubella infection in women in Kirkuk Provence as Bad Obstetric History (BOH) was more common. Suspecting co-infection for these two viruses' infections and the changes in the women's body like Vitamin D, Calcium, Magnesium, and other biochemical changes. Aims: this current study was carried on to assess and grant that. Setting: a cross-sectional observational study on 154 women of childbearing age with approved SARS n-covid-19 by real-time PCR was enrolled as a test group. Versus 45 women negative for covid with previous BOH were taken as a control group, and their ages ranged from 15 to 50 years. Methodology: Rubella IgM and IgG antibodies using ELISA kits were used for each woman. Vitamin D3, Parathyroid hormone (PTH) ELISA kit also used. For determining serum Calcium, Magnesium, and Phosphorus, routine spectrophotometry biochemical kits were tested. Results: The rate of Rubella infection was 77.92% IgG, contributed to 77.92 % of Rubella IgM versus 72.27 %. Controversy to the following rates 35.56 % and 8.88% of IgG and IgM respectively, P&lt;0.05.

Antibody levels of measles, rubella and mumps viruses in healthy population in Shanghai from 2010 to 2020

Objective: To determine IgG antibody levels of measles, rubella, mumps in healthy population in Shanghai from 2010 to 2020 and analyze the trend of antibody changes in different age groups. Methods: 10 828 healthy people without measles, rubella and mumps in Shanghai were included in the study from 2010 to 2020. Serum samples were collected from 12 age groups, and the serum IgG antibody of measles, rubella and mumps were detected by ELISA. The difference of antibody positive rates and antibody levels were analyzed. Results: The median age M (Q1, Q3) of 10 828 objects were 8 years old (9 months old, 20 years old). Males accounted for 48.34% (5 234/10 828) and females accounted for 50.92% (5 514/10 828). Unknown gender information accounted for 0.74% (80/10 828), and 27.03% (2 927/10 828) of participants had unknown MMR immunization history. The total positive rates of measles, rubella and mumps IgG antibody were 76.78%, 64.46% and 64.29% and their GMCs were 541.45 mIU/ml, 31.76 IU/ml and 133.73 U/ml respectively. There were significant differences in serum IgG antibody GMC of measles, rubella and mumps in each year (Fmeasles=180.74, P<0.001; Frubella=189.95, P<0.001; Fmumps=122.40, P<0.001). The positive rate of measles antibody was higher than that of rubella and mumps, and the difference was statistically significant (χ²=518.09, P<0.001). Conclusion: The level of measles IgG antibody in healthy people in Shanghai is higher, while the level of rubella and mumps IgG antibody is slightly lower.

Seroprevalence of IgG Rubella among Infants with Features Suggestive of Congenital Rubella Syndrome at a Tertiary Hospital in North Western Tanzania.

Congenital Rubella Syndrome (CRS) is among the causes of infant mortality and lifelong disability due to severe birth defects. There has been an increasing number of neonates born with congenital abnormalities suggesting CRS, at the same time the rubella seroprevalence among pregnant mothers and healthy school children in the northwestern Tanzania has been noted to be alarmingly high. This study aimed to determine prevalence of rubella antibodies and associated factors among infants suspected to have CRS. This cross-sectional study included 174 infants aged ≤ 12 months with at least one clinical features of CRS. The study was conducted between Septembers 2017 and March 2018 at Bugando Medical Centre, a consultant teaching hospital in North Western Tanzania. Collection of Social demographic and other relevant information was done hand in hand with screening for clinical symptoms suggestive of CRS and Blood samples were collected. Indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) Test were conducted on collected sera to test for specific Rubella IgM and IgG antibodies. The majority of enrolled infants were below 1 year of age; of these 83 (47.7%) were neonates and only 13.2% had received MR vaccine. Out of these, 111 (63.8%, 95%CI: 56.6-70.9) were IgG Rubella seropositive whereas none was IgM Rubella seropositive. In multivariate logistic regression analysis being neonate was the only factor that independently predicted rubella IgG seropositivity (OR 2.3; 95% CI 1.2 - 4.4; p=0.012). A significant proportion children (<12 months) with suspected CRS are IgG seropositive which is predicted by being a neonate (0-4weeks); this indicates high maternal seroprevalence and hence extended surveillance and measures to target women of child bearing age are recommended.

The Concordance between Mumps and Rubella Sero-Positivity among the Israeli Population in 2015.

Mumps and rubella are vaccine-preventable viral diseases through the measles-mumps-rubella-varicella (MMRV) vaccine, administered at 12 months and again at 6 years. We assessed the sero-prevalence of mumps and rubella, identified factors associated with sero-negativity, and evaluated concordance between mumps and rubella sero-positivity. A national cross-sectional sero-survey was conducted on samples collected in 2015 by the Israel National Sera Bank. Samples were tested for mumps and rubella IgG antibodies using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Of 3131 samples tested for mumps IgG, 84.8% (95%CI: 83.5–86.0%) were sero-positive. Sero-negativity for mumps was significantly associated with age (high odds ratios observed in infants younger than 4 years and 20–29 years old subjects). Of 3169 samples tested for rubella IgG antibodies, 95.2% (95%CI: 94.4–95.9%) were sero-positive. Rubella sero-negativity was significantly associated with age (high odds ratios observed in children younger than 4 years old and adults older than 30 years), males, Jews, and others. Concordant sero-positivity for both mumps and rubella viruses was observed in 83.9% of the tested samples. The Israeli population was sufficiently protected against rubella but not against mumps. Since both components are administered in the MMRV vaccine simultaneously, the mumps component has a lower uptake than rubella and quicker waning.

Does the rubella immunoglobulin G affect the severity of COVID- 19?

Objective & aimThe coronavirus disease, so far (COVID-19) has brought about millions of infections and fatalities throughout the world. Our aim was to determine the correlation between rubella IGG titers with the severity COVID-19. Materials & methodsThis study was conducted among COVID-19 confirmed patients over 18 years of age. The disease severity levels were categorized by WHO interim guidance. The rubella-specific IgG antibody-titer spectrum was measured (within first 48 h of hospitalization) by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).ResultIn a study of 46 inpatients with varying COVID-19 disease severity (mild, moderate, severe, and critical), we observed a negative correlation between rubella IgG antibody titers and COVID‐19 severity (P-Value = 0.017), There was an interaction between COVID-19 vaccination history and rubella IGG on severity COVID-19 (P-Value = 0.0015). There was an interaction between age group under 44 years (including national measles- rubella (MR) vaccination in Iran) and rubella IGG titers on severity COVID-19 too (p-value = 0.014).ConclusionIn conclusion, MR vaccination seems to have a positive effect in reducing the severity of the disease, emphasizing that, the important and separate effect of the IGG rubella (due to natural or extrinsic immunity) titers is determining.

Rubella Humoral Immunity Among the Saudi Population of Madinah in the Western Region of Saudi Arabia.

Maintaining herd immunity against the rubella virus is important for controlling the spread and recurrence of rubella. Rubella vaccination for children has been affordable in Saudi Arabia since 1982. To assess the immune response derived from vaccination, we assessed the seroprevalence against the rubella virus among the population of the Madinah region. An indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to measure anti-rubella IgG antibodies in 791 serum samples obtained from 336 (42.5%) men and 455 (57.5%) women, ranging from 14 to 49 years in age. Among all participants, 94.2% were seropositive for rubella IgG antibodies, indicating a high degree of immunization. However, 5.8% of participants were seronegative, suggesting a population of either poor vaccine responders or the potential risk of waning vaccine-induced immunity. No significant difference or association with rubella seropositivity was identified according to age, sex, or pregnancy status. The median anti-rubella IgG antibody concentrations differed significantly between age groups (p < 0.001). Although a high percentage of the tested population in Madinah demonstrated anti-rubella IgG antibody seropositivity, a notable percentage of the population were seronegative, making them susceptible to infection.

Rubella immunity in native Turkish and Syrian immigrant pregnant women between 2010-2018

Objectives: The study has aimed to investigate the rubella immunity in native-Turkish and Syrian-immigrant pregnant women in Turkey. Methods: Between September 2010 and December 2018, the hospital records of pregnant patients were evaluated retrospectively. For each year, for the number of patients who were screened for rubella IgG and/or IgM antibodies, IgG avidity (if any), and PCR tests (if any) were investigated, and subjects were categorized by nationality. Results: During the study period, a total of 80,302 pregnant were tested with at least one of the rubella IgM or IgG antibodies. Of these, 22,962 pregnant women were screened for both IgG and IgM, 24,684 were screened for IgG, and 78,580 pregnant women were screened for IgM rubella antibodies. The seropositivity rate of IgG rubella antibodies in native and Syrian pregnant groups was 93.8% and 95.9%, respectively. In both groups, the IgM rubella antibodies were found as 0.5%. IgG avidity was investigated in 252 patients, whose test results were positive for IgM and IgG; and a low IgG avidity was detected in 5 native patients, while none was detected in the Syrian group. Conclusions: In the Syrian immigrant group, the susceptibility to Rubella is low, and it does not differ from the native Turkish population.

Seroepidemiology of Measles, Mumps, Rubella and Varicella in Italian Female School Workers: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background: Determining the proportion of susceptible workers can represent a first step to the biological risk assessment related to measles, mumps, rubella and varicella exposure. This study aimed to assess the immunity against measles, mumps, rubella and varicella viruses in a cohort of female school workers. Methods: A cross-sectional seroepidemiological study in a sample of 263 school workers undergoing routine annual workplace health surveillance program was conducted. As part of the health surveillance program, serum samples were collected and tested for measles, mumps, rubella and varicella IgG antibodies. Results: Overall seropositivity was 90.5%, 85.2%, 94.7% and 97.3% for measles, mumps, rubella and varicella, respectively. In relation to mumps occupation-specific seropositivity, a statistically significant difference was observed, showing the lowest prevalence of protected individuals in other occupation groups. Moreover, in relation to rubella, school workers born in Centre Italy had the lowest seropositivity of protective antibodies and the difference between groups was statistically significant. Measles and rubella seropositivity showed a significant decrease after 2015. Conclusions: This study showed a relevant proportion of school workers susceptible to the aforementioned diseases. These results highlighted the need for proper health surveillance and immunological controls in school workers, especially for females, and provided useful insights to policymakers to select effective strategies aimed at containing the risk of vaccine-preventable diseases at schools.

High seroprevalence of rubella in Thai children with a 2-dose MMR national immunization policy

Rubella is generally a mild disease, but infection during pregnancy can cause congenital rubella syndrome. Thailand has implemented a two-dose MMR vaccination policy since 2010. This study aimed to describe the seroprevalence rate of rubella among children and adolescents in Thailand. We conducted a cross-sectional study of 132 healthy children (aged 3–9 years) who had received 2 doses of rubella vaccine and 424 adolescents (aged 10–18 years) who were expected to receive at least 1 dose of rubella vaccine. Stored serum samples from healthy children and recently drawn serum samples from adolescents were tested for rubella IgG antibody using a commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit (EUROIMMUN). Seroprotection was defined as a rubella IgG level ≥ 10 IU/mL. The rubella seroprevalence rate among children and adolescents who had 2 documented doses of MMR was 97.0% (95 %CI 92.5–99.2%) and 85.4% (95% CI 78.8–90.6%, p < 0.01) respectively. The geometric mean titer of rubella was higher in children, 38.3 (95% CI 33.5–43.9) compared to adolescents, 22.5 (19.4–25.9) IU/mL. We observed an inverse correlation between the rubella titer and time interval from the second rubella containing vaccine dose (R = -0.30, p < 0.01). A 2-dose MMR vaccination course produces a high seroprevalence of rubella immunity in children, which decreases with time, suggesting waning of immunity.Thai clinical trials registry number TCTR20191120001.

A Case of Rubella Caused by Rubella Vaccination

We present an extremely rare case of rubella that developed after rubella vaccine administration. A 54-year-old man complained of back and neck pain for some days. He presented with generalized rash and arthralgia that had persisted for two days before his visit. His vital signs were normal, and arthralgia had disappeared during an examination, but lymphadenopathy in the left posterior neck and pink papules were observed throughout the body. He had received his first Rubella vaccination 17 days before this visit and had attended a crowded festival. Owing to the rubella epidemic in that prefecture, we performed a rubella antibody test and polymerase chain reaction assay using blood, urine, and pharyngeal swab specimens. Rubella IgG and IgM antibody titers were 3 and 1.48, respectively. The pharyngeal swab yielded positive results for the 1a vaccine strain. Therefore, he was diagnosed with rubella due to rubella vaccination. His symptoms improved eventually. His clinical course was uncomplicated. Symptoms resolved within one week without specific treatment. The vaccine rubella strain is not as highly infectious as wild-type rubella strains. If rubella symptoms appear after vaccination, it must be investigated whether these are vaccine-specific adverse reactions, wild-strain rubella onset, or other eruptive viral infections.