Seroepidemiology of Rubella in Mozambique, 2006-2014: Implications for Rubella Immunization in Settings With High Fertility Rates
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 19, 2026
Measuring Naturally Acquired Phagocytosis-Inducing Antibodies to Plasmodium falciparum Parasites by a Flow Cytometry-Based Assay
Published on: August 6, 2020
Nádia Alves Amade1, Thebora Sultane, Orvalho Augusto
1From the *Department of Technological Platforms, Instituto Nacional de Saúde, Ministry of Health, Maputo, Mozambique; and †Faculdade de Medicina, Eduardo Mondlane University, Maputo, Mozambique.
Background:
Rubella and congenital rubella syndrome are highly underreported and neglected in most sub-Saharan countries and vaccination has not yet been incorporated into their national immunization schedules. In this study, we investigated the frequency of immunoglobulin M antibodies against rubella and examined correlations with fertility rates during the period from 2006 to 2014 in Mozambique.
Methods:
We conducted a retrospective analysis of data collected through the routine case-based surveillance system for measles in Mozambique.
Results:
A total of 7312 serum samples from suspected cases of measles were tested between 2006 and 2014. The median age was 4 years (interquartile range: 1-8 years). Of these, 1331 (18.2%) were positive for immunoglobulin M anti-rubella. The highest frequency of rubella was observed within the 5-9-year-old age group (32.6%). The frequency in the age groups <1 years old, 1-4, 10-14, 15-19, 20-29 and ≥30 were 4.5%, 13.1%, 28.7%,18.7%, 5.2% and 5.1%, respectively.
Conclusion:
Our data show that rubella is frequent among women of childbearing age in Mozambique. Considering that early pregnancy is common in Mozambique, this suggests that, in settings such as ours, the introduction of routine rubella vaccination in children should be accompanied by repeated vaccination campaigns targeting older children and adolescents.
Insights
Rubella is common in Mozambique, especially among women of childbearing age. This highlights the need for rubella vaccination campaigns targeting children and adolescents to prevent congenital rubella syndrome.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Immunology
- Public Health
Background:
- Rubella and congenital rubella syndrome are underreported in sub-Saharan Africa.
- Vaccination against rubella is not yet standard in national immunization schedules in many of these countries.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the frequency of immunoglobulin M antibodies against rubella in Mozambique.
- To examine correlations between rubella seroprevalence and fertility rates from 2006 to 2014.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of data from Mozambique's routine measles surveillance system.
- Testing of 7312 serum samples from suspected measles cases for rubella immunoglobulin M antibodies between 2006 and 2014.
Main Results:
- 18.2% of samples tested positive for rubella immunoglobulin M antibodies.
- The highest rubella frequency was observed in the 5-9-year-old age group (32.6%).
- Rubella was also frequent in women of childbearing age (15-29 years).
Conclusions:
- Rubella is prevalent among women of childbearing age in Mozambique.
- The high frequency suggests a risk of congenital rubella syndrome due to early pregnancies.
- Routine rubella vaccination for children, alongside campaigns for older individuals, is recommended.
Related Concept Videos
01:28Infectious Diseases and Their Occurrence
01:51Vaccinations
00:58Symbiosis