A study of seroprevalence of rubella among reproductive age women in a tertiary care teaching institute of Uttar Pradesh

Background: Rubella, also known as German Measles or three-day measles, is an infection caused by a RNA virus, belonging to Togaviridae family.According to a study done by WHO in developing countries;10 to 25% women tested seronegative(2) Up to 50% of maternal infections are subclinical in spite of viremia that may cause spontaneous abortion or devastating fetal infection.Up to 90% of pregnant women with rubella and rash during first 12 weeks of gestation have an affected fetus. Objectives: To estimate the seroprevalence of rubella immunity in reproductive age women To administer vaccine to seronegative women.Method: This study was conducted in department of obstetrics and gynecology in collaboration with department of microbiology at M L N medical college, Prayagraj, UP among patients attending to gynecology OPD. in collaboration with the microbiology department. After obtaining written informed consent, a questionnaire form was filled ELISA kit Rubella IgG and IgM purchased from BIOGENIX, Inc., were used for serological testing Results: Out of 530 Healthy pregnant women of reproductive age group enrolled in study, 517 (97.5%) were immune to rubella and 13 women (2.45%) were susceptible to rubella whereas no women were found to have active or acute rubella infection during the course of study. Conclusion: IgG seroprevalence can be used as an indicator of rubella elimination in the country.Screening for rubella susceptibility by serology for all women of childbearing age at their first preconception counselling is still relevant. The need for intensification of awareness programmes regarding government immunization strategies should also be considered.