Sero-prevalence of rubella antibody in pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in Adamawa and Kaduna states of Nigeria

Abstract

Human rubella virus infection is a global public health problem, especially in developing countries. The virus may affect all organs and cause a variety of congenital defects. This study was designed to determine the prevalence of rubella in pregnant women in some part of Adamawa and Kaduna States of northern Nigeria using the immuno comb II rubella IgG kits, an indirect solid phase enzyme immuno assay (EIA). Out of the 344 sera sampled, 250(73.5%) had rubella antibody in Adamawa State, while 195(79.3%) out of 246 samples were positive to rubella antibody in Kaduna State. Ages 20-29 years had the highest prevalence of 44.1% and 47.2% in Adamawa and Kaduna States respectively. Prevalence was higher in multigravida than in premigravida in both states. The results implied that over 70% of the pregnant women in the studied areas may be protected against rubella congenital syndrome. Further studies covering other states of the country are needed to determine the national prevalence.

Keywords: Rubella virus, public health, antibody, pregnant women, congenital defects, Nigeria

International Journal of Natural and Applied Sciences, 6(1): 131-134, 2010