Rubella-specific IgG Antibodies Research Articles

One-point evaluation of children exposed to rubella infection In Utero in Maiduguri, North-Eastern Nigeria: A follow-up Study

Background: Rubella is a disease caused by a virus, rubella virus. Major obstetrics concerns are profound effects of the virus on developing fetuses, which may result in multiple congenital malformations. Although vaccination has reduced the incidence of rubella virus substantially; the World Health Organization (WHO) estimated that more than 100,000 cases of congenital rubella syndrome occur each year worldwide, most of them in developing countries. Diagnosis of rubella cannot be made on clinical grounds alone due to lack of specific symptoms or signs that are unique to the disease. Women infected with rubella during pregnancy are at increased risk of developing complication for the women and their fetuses. Some of these complications may not present at birth, but several years during childhood and later in life. Methodology: The main rubella sero-prevalence study was conducted in 2013, at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH), Maiduguri, Borno State, North-Eastern Nigeria. This is a follow-up descriptive study. The children of women who had significant titres of Immunoglobulin M antibodies, and who were negative for Immunoglobulin G antibodies were followed during their pregnancies and childbirth. The children born to these women who acquired rubella virus infection in mid pregnancy were reviewed at 10-11 years of age, and their current state of health is reported. Their biodata, educational status, rubella serostatus, state of health, and history of vaccination with measles were obtained. Results: There were 459 pregnant women who consented and participated in the main sero-prevalence study. Four hundred twenty-one women (91.7%) women tested positive for rubella-specific IgG antibodies, and of the remaining 38 women, 6 (15.8%) were positive for IgM rubella-specific antibody. All the patients with positive IgM antibodies were followed up till birth. All the pregnancies were carried to term and delivered in hospital. None of the neonates was found to have any congenital malformation at birth. At 10 years review of the six (6) children, 1 (16.7%) child developed cataract. None of the children developed cardiac, ear, or other complications of rubella. Five (5) children (83.3%) tested positive for both IgG, one (1) was negative (the child with cataract) for rubella antibodies. None had IgM rubella antibodies. All the children were enrolled in schools and their performance is at least average of their peers. Conclusion: None of the known types of congenital rubella syndrome was found in this study, this may be as a result of smaller number of infected pregnancies. It is recommended that inclusion of rubella vaccination in the National programme on Immunization protocol will be cost effective in the prevention of rubella-associated complication in children.

Multiplex Bead Assay for the Serological Surveillance of Measles and Rubella.

There is increasing interest in evaluating antibody responses to multiple antigen targets in a single assay. Immunity to measles and rubella are often evaluated together because immunity is provided through combined vaccines and because routine immunization efforts and surveillance for measles and rubella pathogens are combined in many countries. The multiplex bead assay (MBA) also known as the multiplex immunoassay (MIA) described here combines the measurement of measles- and rubella-specific IgG antibodies in serum quantitatively according to international serum standards and has been successfully utilized in integrated serological surveillance.

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 seroprevalence among pregnant women in the region of Rabat, Morocco: a cross-sectional study

ObjectivesThe aim of the present research is to update data on the seroprevalence of rubella and to identify the associated risk factors among pregnant women in the Rabat region of...

Rubella-specific IgG antibodies in non-pregnant women in Rivers State, Nigeria

Background: Rubella is a contagious virus-borne disease. The study aimed to test a cohort of non-pregnant women in Rivers State for rubella virus IgG antibodies and identify their susceptibility to the viral infection. Methods: The study included 92 consenting non-pregnant women attending Rivers State University Teaching Hospital in Rivers State. The sera were evaluated for detectable anti-rubella IgG antibodies using ELISA kits according to the manufacturer's instructions. Results: Eighty-five (92.4 per cent) of the 92 samples tested positive for rubella Immunoglobulin G antibodies, while 7 (7.6 per cent) tested negative. Rubella IgG seroprevalence was unrelated to age, education, or occupation. Conclusion: Given the high level of rubella IgG among non-pregnant women tested in Rivers State, it is likely that the virus is prevalent in the research area. As a result, a robust surveillance system and the organization of screening for anti-rubella IgG antibodies in pregnant women would be critical for future protection against the illness.

Influence of long-term storage of blood serum samples in a biobank for population-based seroepidemiologic studies

Aim. To assess the safety of IgG antibodies during long-term storage of blood serum samples using measles- and rubella-specific antibodies as an example.Material and methods. The study used serum samples from the collection of the Department of Epidemiology of the Gamaleya National Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiologya, which were tested for measles- or rubella-specific IgG antibodies immediately upon admission to the laboratory, were frozen and stored at -70оC (n=180). The samples were reexamined after 20 months (n=90) and 6 years (n=90).Results. Reexamination after 20-month storage showed a decrease in the mean level of measles- and rubella-specific antibodies by 13,1% (from 0,36 (0,08-1,21) to 0,31 (0,02-1,2) IU/ml) and by 11,8% (from 151,4 (45-235) to 133,5 (72-198) IU/ml), respectively (p<0,05 for all). At the same time, the number of seronegative samples did not change. After a 6-year storage period, the mean level of measles-specific antibodies decreased by 33,8% (p<0,05) from 0,72 (0,4-1,79) to 0,34 (0,18-1,14) IU/ml and only two samples became seronegative. It was shown that the higher the IgG level in native samples, the more pronounced its decrease was during the second examination.Conclusion. Storage of serum samples in a biobank for 20 months at -70оC ensures the safety of measles- and rubella-specific IgG antibodies, and is the basis for the reliability of future studies.

Rubella Immunity among Italian Female Healthcare Workers: A Serological Study.

Rubella, also known as German measles or three-day measles, is an infectious disease caused by virus of the genus Rubivirus, which may be prevented by vaccination. The infection is potentially dangerous for non immune subjects, although 20–50% of infected subjects are asymptomatic. Healthcare workers (HCWs) have an increased potential exposure to rubella in comparison to the general population, putting them and their patients at risk of infection and its complications. In 2019, 20 cases of rubella have been reported in Italy. According to the Italian National Immunization and Prevention Plan, HCWs should provide a written certification of vaccination for rubella or serological evidence of protective antibodies. The aim of the study was to evaluate the rubella immunization status in female HCWs of the teaching hospital Policlinic Rome Tor Vergata (PTV) of childbearing age. For this purpose, we retrospectively checked the serologic values of rubella-specific IgG antibodies analyzing the clinical records of the HCWs of undergoing the occupational health surveillance program from January 1st to June1st 2020. Five hundred fourteen HCWs with a mean age of 23.19 (range 19–37, DS: 2.80) were included: 90.3% (464) showed a protective antibody titre. The mean value of the anti-rubella IgG was 49.59 IU/mL. Our study shows a non-protective anti rubella IgG titre in a substantial percentage of HCWs (9.7%). As vaccine protection decreases over the years and the risk of congenital rubella syndrome (CRS) in vaccinated subjects should not be underestimated, we suggest routine screening of the immunological status followed by the administration of a third dose of vaccine if the antibody titre becomes non-protective.

Rubella Specific IgG and IgM Antibodies among Infants before Rubella Vaccination in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania: A Cross-Sectional Study

Prevention of Rubella virus infection using rubella vaccine has been widely used in high-income countries contributing to the declining of congenital rubella syndrome. Before introduction of rubella vaccine in Tanzania October 2014, status of rubella specific antibodies in the infant was limited. This study was conducted to assess the rubella specific IgG and IgM antibodies among infants before receiving the vaccine.

Seroprevalence of Rubella Virus-specific Antibodies in Women and the Diagnostic Efficacy of Enzyme-linked Immunoassay and Rapid Immunochromatographic Tests.

IntroductionRubella is an infectious disease caused by the Rubella virus. The disease was previously called German measles and is transmitted through respiratory aerosols. Rubella causes both clinical and subclinical infections in children and young adults. Rubella virus has teratogenic capabilities and may cause severe complications in the fetuses of women who acquire Rubella viral infection during their pregnancy. The present study aims to evaluate the seroprevalence of anti-Rubella virus immunoglobulin (Ig) G and IgM antibodies in both pregnant and non-pregnant women and assess the diagnostic efficacy of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and rapid immunochromatographic tests.MethodsThe study included 240 females in the age range of 16-45 years. The study subjects included both pregnant women and non-pregnant women. After informed consent, 5 milliliters of blood was collected from each participant, and serum was separated and tested for the presence of antibodies (IgG and IgM) against the Rubella virus using both the traditional ELISA (Delta Biologicals, Pvt. Ltd., China) and a rapid ELISA-immunochromatographic test (ICT) (Span Biotech. Ltd., China). The data collected were systematically entered into Microsoft Excel sheets (Microsoft Corporation, Redmond, Washington) and were analyzed using SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 17.0, 2008 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, Illinois).ResultsThe study revealed an overall seroprevalence of 31.66% for Rubella-specific IgG and IgM antibodies. Out of the 125 pregnant women included in the study, 49 (39.20%) were seropositive for Rubella IgG antibodies, and among the 115 non-pregnant women tested, 24 (20.86%) were positive for Rubella IgG antibodies. Four (5.26%) of the 76 seropositive women revealed IgM antibodies. The sensitivities of both the ELISA (40.61%) and rapid immunochromatographic (39.20%) tests were observed to be low and the specificities of both methods were similar (79.13%).ConclusionThe seroprevalence of Rubella-specific IgG antibodies was observed to be low as compared to the other regions of India. The low seroprevalence may predispose pregnant women to Rubella viral infection and may lead to increased incidences of congenital Rubella syndrome (CRS). Both the ELISA and immunochromatographic tests showed low sensitivity and similar specificities.

Recent trends in seroprevalence of rubella in Korean women of childbearing age: a cross-sectional study

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to investigate the immunity against rubella using the serological status of rubella-specific IgG antibodies (antirubella IgG) in Korean women of childbearing age (15–49 years).DesignRetrospective...

Seroprevalence and durability of rubella virus antibodies in a highly immunized population

BackgroundAlthough the administration of the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine has been widespread in the United States for decades, gaps in vaccine coverage still persist for various reasons. The maintenance of herd immunity against rubella virus (RV) is important to controlling the spread and resurgence of rubella and congenital rubella syndrome. MethodsIn this study, we sought to assess the seroprevalence of RV-specific antibodies in an adult population from a defined geographic area in Olmsted County, MN, and the surrounding municipalities, with relatively high vaccine coverage and no documented evidence of circulating RV in the past 24 years. Rubella-specific IgG antibodies were measured by ELISA in a large set of serum samples (n = 1393) obtained from the Mayo Clinic Biobank. This cohort was 80.2% female and ranged from 20 to 44 years of age. ResultsIn total, 97.8% of subjects were seropositive for rubella-specific IgG antibodies, with a median titer of 40.56 IU/mL, suggesting a high degree of immunization; however, 2.2% of subjects were found to be seronegative. Interestingly, 25.1% of subjects were seropositive but had titers lower than 25 IU/mL, indicating either a population of low responders or individuals that could potentially be at risk of waning immunity. No significant associations or differences were found between RV-specific titers and demographic variables such as age, sex, or body mass index (BMI). ConclusionsA high rate of seropositivity for rubella was found among this young adult cohort, but a significant percent of the cohort had lower titers that may indicate poor initial vaccine response and potential risk if their antibody titers decline.

Long-term preservation of measles and rubella specific-IgG antibodies in children with enthesitis related arthritis on anti-TNFα treatment: a prospective controlled study.

Long-term preservation of measles and rubella specific-IgG antibodies in children with enthesitis related arthritis on anti-TNFα treatment: a prospective controlled study.

Measles and rubella seroimmunity in newly arrived adult immigrants in Sweden

Background: International migrants could be considered as a risk group for being susceptible to vaccine preventable diseases such as measles and rubella. However, data on immunity in different migrant groups are scarce. Apart from asylum seekers and refugees, other immigrant groups might also be at risk. We have examined measles and rubella specific IgG antibodies among newly arrived adult immigrants in Skåne region in southern Sweden. In contrast to children, adult immigrants are not offered catch-up vaccinations after arrival.Methods: Stored serum samples from 989 asylum seekers and 984 pregnant women from the antenatal screening program, who had recently settled in Sweden, were analyzed for specific measles and rubella IgG-antibodies. Sex, age, reason for screening and geographic origin were variables entered into a multivariate regression model.Results: There were considerable differences in seroimmunity to measles with regard to geographic origin (44–97%). Measles seroimmunity gaps were most prominent in immigrants from some European regions such as the Baltic countries, the former Yugoslavia and the Newly Independent States and Russia. Seroprotection for rubella varied less between geographic regions (90–99%).Conclusion: Susceptibility to measles among adult immigrants arriving in Sweden varies considerably depending on their geographic origin. Vaccinations against measles and rubella should be offered to groups of immigrants who might be incompletely immunized.

Rubella virus infections and immune status among pregnant women before the introduction of rubella vaccine in Amhara Regional State, Ethiopia

BackgroundRubella and its associated congenital anomalies have been greatly reduced in most developed countries through use of the rubella vaccine. However, the magnitude of the problem is underestimated and there are no well-established rubella/congenital rubella syndrome prevention and control strategies in many developing countries, including Ethiopia. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of rubella virus infections among pregnant women and their immune status before the introduction of rubella vaccine in Amhara Regional State, Ethiopia. MethodsA prospective cross-sectional study was conducted among pregnant women in Dessie, Felege-Hiwot, and University of Gondar referral hospitals, from December 2015 to February 2017. After obtaining written informed consent, socio-demographic data, reproductive history, clinical manifestations, and the possible risk factors for rubella virus infections were collected using a structured questionnaire. The laboratory analysis of rubella-specific antibodies was done using an enzyme-linked immunoassay method on venous blood samples. Data were entered and analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics version 20. Binary logistic regression was used to determine the strength of association between the dependent variables and covariates. ResultsA total of 600 pregnant women were included in the study. Their mean age was 26.4±5years (range 16–40 years). The overall seroprevalence of rubella infection was 89%. Of the total study participants, 9.5% were positive for rubella-specific IgM antibody, which indicates acute/recent rubella virus infection. In contrast, 79.5% of them had protective levels of rubella-specific IgG antibody and were immune as a result of previous wild-type rubella infection. However, 11% of the pregnant women were negative for both rubella-specific antibodies; these women represent the susceptible group. ConclusionsA large number of pregnant women had acute/recent rubella virus infections at the time of data collection, indicating that the virus is endemic in the study area. More than a tenth of pregnant women were found to be susceptible to acquiring the infection in future pregnancies, with the possible risk of rubella-associated congenital anomalies. Hence screening of all women of child-bearing age before conception and during pregnancy might reduce the devastating effects of the virus on the developing fetus.

Australian rubella serosurvey 2012–2013: On track for elimination?

BackgroundThe World Health Organization has targeted rubella virus for elimination regionally. Australia was one of the first countries to implement a nationally funded rubella immunisation program, in 1971, and conducts regular national rubella serosurveillance studies. We aimed to estimate the seroprevalence of rubella-specific IgG antibody in the Australian population by age and sex in 2012–2013, to compare the results with three previous serosurveys conducted in 1996–1999, 2002 and 2007 and to estimate the effective reproduction numbers (Rn). MethodsThis study used 2729 serum and plasma specimens, randomly selected from a specimen bank collected in 2012–2013 across Australia. Age groups included in the sample ranged from 1 to 49 years. Sera were tested for rubella-specific IgG-antibody using the Enzygnost anti-rubella IgG enzyme immunoassay and classified as positive, negative or equivocal according to rubella-specific IgG concentrations of >7 IU/ml, <3 IU/ml and 3–7 IU/ml, respectively. ResultsThe overall proportions seropositive, seronegative and equivocal for rubella-specific IgG were 92.1% (95% CI, 91.0–93.2), 6.7% (95% CI, 5.7–7.7) and 1.2% (95% CI, 0.8–1.6), respectively. The proportion of males seropositive was significantly lower than females in the 30–34 (83.1% vs. 96.8%, p = 0.003), 35–39 (86.1% vs. 96.3%, p = 0.02) and 40–44 (86.1% vs. 95.7%, p = 0.03) year age groups. Rn for rubella in 2012–2013 was estimated to be 0.33 (95% CI 0.28–0.39). DiscussionThe 2012–2013 national serosurvey showed levels of rubella-specific IgG seropositivity in the Australian population are relatively high with no evidence of decrease compared to previous serosurveys conducted in 1996–1999, 2002 and 2007. The lower proportion of seropositive males aged 30–44 years likely reflects the initial immunisation program targeting females only. To our knowledge this study represents the longest period of serosurveillance following introduction of a nationally funded rubella immunisation program. The lack of evidence of decreasing rubella-specific IgG seropositivity is therefore reassuring for Australia and other countries with longstanding high vaccine coverage.

Rubella seroprevalence among pregnant women in Beijing, China

BackgroundRubella infection in pregnant women can result in serious effects, such as miscarriages, stillbirths, and congenital rubella syndrome (CRS). However, very little is known about the rubella seroprevalence among pregnant women in China.MethodsThis is a cross-sectional and hospital-based study. From June 2016 through March 2017, a total of 324 serum samples from healthy pregnant women were collected in the Shunyi Women and Children’s Hospital of Beijing Children’s Hospital. Rubella-specific IgG antibody was determined by ELISA (Euroimmun, Lübeck, Germany) kits. International assigned cut-off values of ≥10 IU/ml were used to assess the percentage of pregnant women with protective IgG concentrations.ResultsThe total rate of protected individuals was 83.3% (95% CI: 78.9%–87.0%). The protective rates of pregnant women in 17–26 years group, 27–36 years group and 37–46 years group were 84.0% (95% CI: 75.3%–90.1%), 81.9% (95% CI: 74.9%–87.4%) and 84.9% (95% CI: 75.8%–90.9%) respectively. No significant difference in protective rates among the three age groups was found (P = 0.83). There were also no statistically significant correlations between protective rates and gravidity (P = 0.84), parity (P = 0.84), birth place (P = 0.16), residence area (P = 0.58), education (P = 0.40) or occupation (P = 0.65).ConclusionsDespite the generally low vaccination coverage for rubella, most of Chinese pregnant women had potent rubella immunity. However, at least 16.7% of pregnant women were susceptible to rubella, which suggested rubella immunization in Chinese women at or before child-bearing age.

Rubella sero-prevalence among children in Kilimanjaro region: a community based study prior to the introduction of rubella vaccine in Tanzania

BackgroundChildhood rubella infection is a mild, self-limiting illness. Rubella infection among pregnant women however, is a major public health concern. Depending on gestation age, it may result in fetal death, stillbirth or a new-born with congenital rubella syndrome (CRS). Maternal antibodies protect young infants from rubella infection and lifelong immunity is acquired by vaccination or post-rubella infection. This study aims at characterizing rubella infection and its epidemiology in the Kilimanjaro region, prior to the introduction of the rubella vaccine in Tanzania.MethodsThis was a population based cross-sectional study, covering all the seven districts in Kilimanjaro region, North-eastern Tanzania. The study population included children of 0 to 36 months of age and their mothers/primary caretakers. A multistage sampling method was used to obtain a representative sample of the children. Interviews were conducted using a structured questionnaire. Dried blood spot (DBS) samples were taken from eligible children. Rubella specific IgG antibodies were detected from eluted serum by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the data, the difference between groups was tested by Fishers exact test or chi square test as appropriate. Univariate and multivariate analysis was used, with rubella sero-positive groups as dependent variables and the socio-demographic, children, paediatric and parental factors as independent variables, the Odds ratio and their 95% confidence intervals were calculated to assess the strength of association between the dependent and independent variables. A p value less than 0.05 was considered significant.ResultsThe overall rubella sero-prevalence was 1.8%. Rural residence was associated with greater risk for rubella infection. Other family characteristic did not predict rubella infection.ConclusionsThis study highlights the low natural immunity to rubella among children prior to the introduction of rubella vaccine in Tanzania. Our research underscores the need for an effective rubella vaccination program to prevent CRS. More epidemiologic and immunologic studies are needed to guide the vaccination deployment and administration strategy in Tanzania.

Analysis of Serum Th1/Th2 Cytokine Levels in Patients with Acute Mumps Infection.

Background:The mumps virus is frequently the causative agent of parotitis. There has been no study on serum cytokine levels of acute mumps parotitis except for a few which document cytokine levels in cerebrospinal fluid of mumps meningitis. It is with this notion, our study aimed to find Th1/Th2 cytokine levels from patients with acute mumps parotitis.Materials and Methods:Concentrations of mumps-specific IgM, mumps, measles, rubella-specific IgG antibody, and Th1/Th2 cytokines, namely interferon-γ (IFN-γ), interleukin-2 (IL-2), IL-4, and IL-10 were measured simultaneously in serum from 74 patients (42 pediatric and 32 adult cases), 40 healthy subjects (20 pediatric and 20 adults) and in the supernatant of peripheral blood mononuclear cells stimulated with mumps virus genotype C which served as the positive control. Statistical significance was analyzed between each group by means of Mann–Whitney U-test, Kruskal–Wallis test, and Spearman's rank correlation coefficient test.Results:IgM positivity confirmed acute infection in all 74 patients and of these 67 were vaccinated cases; however, very few of them (10/67) were positive for mumps IgG. We found that IFN-γ, IL-2, and IL-10 showed a statistically significant increase in both pediatric and adult patients with acute mumps infection when compared to healthy controls and values were comparable to the positive control.Conclusion:The Th1 cells play important roles during the acute phase of mumps parotitis.

Cytomegalovirus, Parvovirus B19 and Rubella Co-Infection among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Clinics in Mwanza City: The Need to be considered in Tanzanian Antenatal Care Package

Background: Viral infections are common in pregnancy and have been associated with poor pregnancy outcome. In many developing countries including Tanzania, the magnitude of these infections and their impact to pregnancy outcome is not clearly understood. The aim of this study was to determine the magnitude of these infections. The information from this study may influence policy makers to consider routine screening of these infections during antenatal visits. Methods: A cross sectional hospital based study involving 214 pregnant women was conducted between December 2014 to and August 2015 in two antenatal clinics in Mwanza city. Rubella, cytomegalovirus and parvovirus B19 (B19) specific IgG and IgM antibodies were detected by using commercial indirect enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. Data were analyzed using STATA version 11. Results: The median age of enrolled pregnant women was 21 (Interquartile range: 20-26) years. Previous co-infections of rubella, cytomegalovirus and B19 was detected in 78 (36.5%) of pregnant women tested. A total of 20 (9.4%) pregnant women had acute co-infection of rubella and parvovirus B19 while 1(0.5%) had acute co-infection of cytomegalovirus and parvovirus B19. The odds of having previous co-infection (IgG sero-positivity) increase significantly as the age increases (odd ratio: 1.056, 95% CI: 1.00-1.11, P=0.03). Moreover, as the gestation age increases the odds of having co-infection decreases significantly (odd ratio: 0.923, 95% CI: 0.88-0.96, P=0.001). Conclusion: Considerable proportion of pregnant women in Mwanza is co-infected with rubella, Cytomegalovirus and parvovirus B19. We recommend routine screening for these infections during antenatal visits so as to reduce the possibility of congenital infection.

Prevalence of rubella-specific IgG antibodies in unimmunized young female population.

Context:Rubella is a mild self-limiting disease all over the world; nevertheless, it is of significant public health importance due to its teratogenic effect of congenital rubella syndrome. Rubella vaccine is currently not included in the national immunization program in India. Rubella-specific IgG in the unvaccinated population is a marker of previous rubella infection. Rubella IgG estimation in children will provide data for initiation and necessary modification to the immunization strategy.Aims:In this background, this study was conducted with an aim to know the age-specific susceptibility of acquiring rubella infections and future risk of congenital rubella syndrome (CRS) among girls.Settings and Design:This was a community-based, observational study.Participants and Methods:The study was conducted at a randomly selected rural area Mavoor Panchayath of Kozhikode District, Kerala, among adolescent girls. The estimation of rubella-specific IgG antibody was done by quantitative enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method. IgG titer value of >15 IU was taken positive, 8–15 IU as equivocal, and <8 IU as negative.Statistical Analysis Used:Statistical analysis was performed using Statistical program for Social science version 16 for Windows. Chi-square test was applied to find out significant difference and Fisher's exact test wherever applicable.Results:The data and blood sample collection was done from 250 girls. The mean IgG titer was 151.93 ± 128.78 IU, and as per the criteria, 68.3% were positive, 28.5% were negative, and 3.2% were equivocal. At this age, majority (68.3%) of the girls get protection by natural infection without any vaccine. Some girls (32%) may remain susceptible to infection during adulthood and pregnancy.Conclusions:Natural rubella infection was widely prevalent among child population and at this age. An immunization policy recommending rubella-containing vaccine is highly desirable to prevent rubella and CRS.