Seroprevalence of Rubella antibodies among pregnant women with bad obstetric history in tertiary care hospital

Abstract

Background

Infection with rubella virus can be disastrous in early gestation. Rubella is a

major cause of birth defects in infants and the risk of having congenital rubella

in seronegative pregnant women is more in developing countries.

Aim

This study was carried to determine the seroprevalence of rubella antibodies in

pregnant women.

Setting and Design

Three years retrospective study in the department of Microbiology, PIMS,

Jalandhar.

Material and method

This study comprised of 250 pregnant women, whose blood samples were collected, sera were screened for

rubella specific IgM and IgG antibodies by RecomLine ToRCH

Result

Out of 250 samples (Study group), 53% (n=132) were seropositive for IgG antibodies and 4.5% (n=9) were

seropositive for IgM antibodies.

Conclusion

Our study demonstrates a strong association between rubella infection and BOH in women. Serosurveillance

of Rubella among adolescent girls and women of child bearing age should be considered at a national level to

prevent innumerable abortions, stillbirth and congenital anomalies due to rubella.