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Need for protection against rubella in India
P Bhaskaram1, B A Ramalakshmi, L A Raju
1National Institute of Nutrition, Indian Council of Medical Research, Hyderabad.
Indian Journal of Pediatrics
|November 1, 1991
Summary
Rubella infection is prevalent in Indian children, with low immunity in those aged 1-5 years. This highlights the critical need for rubella vaccination to protect women of reproductive age from fetal complications.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Public Health
Background:
- Rubella infections in India have been linked to severe fetal malformations and pregnancy wastage.
- The necessity for routine rubella immunization has not been adequately acknowledged.
- Understanding rubella seroprevalence is crucial for targeted public health interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of rubella IgG antibodies across various age groups in the Indian population.
- To assess the seropositivity rates in mothers, cord blood, and children aged 1-15 years.
- To provide evidence supporting the implementation of routine rubella immunization programs.
Main Methods:
- Estimation of rubella virus-specific IgG antibodies using a commercially available ELISA kit.
- Collection and analysis of 274 pairs of maternal blood samples.
- Assay of 139 pediatric blood samples (aged 1-15 years) for rubella antibodies, with positivity defined as ≥15 EU/ml.
Main Results:
- High seropositivity rates observed in mothers (94.9%) and cord blood samples (94.1%).
- Children aged 1-5 years exhibited the lowest seropositivity at 69.2%.
- Seropositivity gradually increased with age, approaching 95% by 15 years.
Conclusions:
- The study confirms the circulation of rubella virus among children in India.
- A significant proportion of young children remain susceptible to rubella infection.
- Protecting women of reproductive age through vaccination is essential to prevent congenital rubella syndrome.