Seroprevalence of Anti- Rubella Antibody Among Pregnant Women in Al-Turbah City Taiz Governorate, Yemen.

Abstract

Background: Infection with the rubella virus during pregnancy, especially during the first trimester, can result in congenital rubella syndrome (CRS). Like in many other developing countries, rubella surveillance is not well-established in Yemen. Therefore, this study was conducted with the objectives of estimating the seroprevalence and potential risk factors associated with acquiring rubella infection among pregnant women in Al-Turbah City.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 90 Pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in four main hospitals and health centers in Al-Turbah City. Demographic data, obstetric characteristics, and blood samples were collected and analyzed for rubella specific antibodies (IgG and IgM)  using the Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay [ELISA] technique.

Results: The study revealed that, the prevalence of anti-rubella IgG was 81(90.0%) and anti-rubella IgM was 4 (4.4%). There was no statistically significant association between rubella seropositive and all the socio-demographic characteristics (P>0.05).

Conclusion: Observation, Although the protection rate (anti rubella IgG) was high, the cases of miscarriage and disabilities remained elevated. This suggests that while vaccine coverage or natural immunity is present, there are other factors and reasons that contributed to cause miscarriages and disabilities in newborns.