RUBELLA IMMUNE STATUS IN A GROUP OF WOMEN AT REPRODUCTIVEAGE

Abstract

Introduction: Rubella is generally asymptomati c in healthy adults but during the first trimester of pregnancy often leads to fetal death or severe congenita l defect s (Congenita l rubell a syndrome). Objective : T o determine the rubella immune status among a group of wome n at reproductive age attending a reproductive health centre for antenatal care and fertility treatment. Methodology : A retrospective analysis of rubella antibody levels was carried out i n a group of women at reproductive age. Th e total study population consisted of 554 wome n attending Vindan a Reproductiv e Healt h Centr e for antenatal care and fertility treatment. Results : O f the whole study population (n=554) 29.4% of women were sero-negative for rubella IgG. Past history o n rubella immunization or infection were available only i n 108 women. Onl y 39 (36.1 %) of 108 had rubella vaccination prior to assessment. Ninet y five percent (n=37) ot the immunized women were sero-positive tor rubella IgG. However , of the non - immunized wome n (n= 69), 40.5 % (n=28) were sero-negative for rubella specific IgG antibodies. Moreover , of the 108 women whose immunization history was available, 57.4% (n=62) were pregnant and 25.8% (n=16) of the m were sero-negative for rubella IgG. Onl y two of these rubella antibody negative pregnant wome n were immunized. Conclusion : A considerable number of pregnant women and those who are planning tor a pregnancy are still under the risk of getting congenita l rubell a syndrom e infant s and immunization of wome n during reproductive age should be strengthened