Serologic survey of rubella virus igG in an African obstetric population

Abstract

Objectives: To determine the seroprevalence of rubella infection in pregnancy.

Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey of 345 consecutive and consenting antenatal attendees at Aba, Southeastern Nigeria over the period 1 June – 1 September, 2012. A structured pretested questionnaire was used to collect and record data on the socio-demographic  characteristics of the subjects. Blood samples were collected from the  subjects and tested for rubella IgG antibodies using the QikTechTM One-Step Rubella Test (LuSys Laboratories, USA).

Results: Sixteen (4.6%) of the 345 subjects were found to have rubella IgG antibodies in their blood. None of the subjects had been vaccinated against rubella. Maternal age, parity, educational level attained, and marital status did not show any association with rubella IgG antibodies seropositivity.

Conclusion: Our findings imply immunity to rubella in 4.6% of the subjects. Thus, 95.4% of the subjects were seronegative and non-immune. This large pool of seronegative and non-immune population will benefit from
education on the availability of vaccination, prevention, and consequences of congenital rubella.

Key words: African, Rubella virus IgG, Serologic, Survey, Obstetrics  population.