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Rubella seroprofile of the Italian population: an 8-year comparison

M C Rota1, A Bella, G Gabutti

  • 1Centro Nazionale di Epidemiologia, Sorveglianza e Promozione della Salute, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy. mariacristinarota@iss.it

Epidemiology and Infection
|November 2, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Increasing measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccination in Italy boosted rubella immunity in children but not in women of childbearing age. Continued efforts are needed to prevent congenital rubella syndrome.

Area of Science:

  • Epidemiology
  • Immunology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Rubella remains a public health concern, particularly regarding congenital rubella syndrome.
  • Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccination is crucial for rubella prevention.
  • Understanding the impact of vaccination coverage on rubella epidemiology is vital for public health strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the impact of increased MMR infant vaccination coverage on rubella epidemiology in Italy.
  • To compare rubella antibody seroprevalence in Italy between 1996 and 2004.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional population-based seroprevalence study was conducted.
  • 3094 serum samples were analyzed for rubella antibodies in 2004.
  • Results were compared with historical data from 1996 using the same methodology.

Main Results:

  • Overall rubella seropositivity significantly increased from 77.4% in 1996 to 84.6% in 2004.
  • This increase in seropositivity was confined to the 1-19 years age groups.
  • Seroprevalence in women of childbearing age did not significantly improve; over 5% remained susceptible.

Conclusions:

  • Recent increases in childhood MMR vaccination have not adequately impacted rubella seroprevalence in women of childbearing age.
  • A significant proportion of women remain susceptible to rubella, posing a risk for congenital rubella syndrome.
  • Preconception screening and postpartum vaccination are essential to achieve WHO targets for congenital rubella syndrome elimination.

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