December 2021 · Volume 10 · Issue 12 Page 4512 International Journal of Reproduction, Contraception, Obstetrics and Gynecology Tripathy SR et al. Int J Reprod Contracept Obstet Gynecol. 2021 Dec;10(12):4512-4516 www.ijrcog.org pISSN 2320-1770 | eISSN 2320-1789 Original Research Article Seroprevalence of rubella in pregnant women Sumeet R. Tripathy 1 , Aruna Menon 1 , Bikram Bhardwaj 1 , Mohammed Ashraf Ali S. Namaji 2 *, Nilesh A. Khardenavis 1 , Neha Gupta 1 INTRODUCTION Rubella virus is a RNA virus of the Togaviridae family. It is a droplet infection characterized by a self-limiting illness with fever, rash and lymphadenitis, or can be subclinical. However infection during early pregnancy may result in miscarriage, congenital birth defects leading to long term morbidity. Approximately 100,000 children are still born with CRS (congenital rubella syndrome consisting of congenital cataract, micropthalmia and cardiac defects and sensorineural deafness) worldwide as per the World Health Organization estimates. 1 Analysis of seroprevalence based statistical model indicates 46,621 births of infants with CRS annually in the south-east Asian Region (SEAR) during 2000-2009. 2 A study conducted by World Health Organization (WHO), in developing countries showed 10-25% of the women tested were seronegative. 3 It is well known that a susceptibility of even 10% can lead to outbreak of congenital rubella syndrome. 4 The near total vaccination coverage in America and Europe has caused a drastic elimination of both the virus as well as CRS in population. On the other hand, the highest risk of CRS is found in countries like India, where the RCV (rubella containing vaccine) was not introduced in the national vaccination program or the vaccine coverage is low. Rubella infection is subclinical in upto 60% cases and susceptibility to infection can be determined only by serological tests. 5,6 Only a few studies regarding the seroprevalence or susceptibility to Rubella in Indian population have been done. A few sero- epidemiological studies have revealed that significant number of women conceive without immunity against rubella, and are thus susceptible to rubella infection in pregnancy and its adverse effects. 5,7 Although a vaccine is available against rubella, the same has not been incorporated in universal immunization program in India. There is no data regarding total burden or susceptibility to rubella infection in India. However a few studies have been done, mainly in northern India, DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.18203/2320-1770.ijrcog20214651 1 Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 2 Department of Microbiology, Armed Forces Medical College, Pune, Maharashtra, India Received: 05 October 2021 Accepted: 30 October 2021 *Correspondence: Dr. Mohammed Ashraf Ali S. Namaji, E-mail: ashrafnamaji@gmail.com Copyright: © the author(s), publisher and licensee Medip Academy. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial License, which permits unrestricted non-commercial use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. ABSTRACT Background: Rubella is a droplet infection characterized by self-limiting illness. However infection during pregnancy may result in miscarriage, congenital birth defects leading to long term morbidity. The aim of the study was to estimate the seroprevalence of rubella immunity in pregnant women. Methods: Antenatal patients, irrespective of period of gestation, fulfilling the inclusion criteria were tested for rubella IgG antibodies. Results: A total of 258 pregnant women were included in the study. The estimated seroprevalence of immunity against Rubella infection was 70.5% (n=182) whereas 29.5% (n=76) were seronegative and thus susceptible to rubella infection. The distribution of seroprevalence of rubella immunity based on age group and gravidity were also evaluated. Conclusions: The results reveal high level of rubella sero positivity, which indicates continued transmission of rubella infection in the community. Keywords: Congenital rubella syndrome, Rubella, Rubella containing vaccine, Seroprevalence