[Seroepidemiology of rubella in Rome (1972-1978)]

Data on hemoagglutination inhibition (HI) tests for rubella immunity which were performed in our laboratory since 1972, are reported. The results obtained on sera from healthy young women indicate a significant decrease of incidence of sero-negatives in 1978 as compared with previous years. The incidence of high titer-positive sera and the geometric mean titer of HI antibody were significantly greater in 1973 and 1978 than in the remaining years; a greater number of case reports to Public Health Authorities occurred in Rome during these two years. The data are also discussed in relationship with vaccination program.