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Prevalence of sensorineural hearing loss due to rubella in Saudi children
1King Abdul Aziz University Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Insights
Rubella virus infection was detected in 2.2% of Saudi children, with many experiencing hearing loss. Universal childhood vaccination contributes to the low prevalence of this infectious disease.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
- Immunology
Background:
- Rubella virus infection poses a significant risk for congenital rubella syndrome and hearing impairment in children.
- Understanding the prevalence of rubella infection is crucial for public health strategies, especially in regions with varying vaccination coverage.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of rubella virus infection among children in Saudi Arabia.
- To assess the association between rubella infection and sensorineural hearing loss in the pediatric population.
Main Methods:
- Serological testing for rubella virus IgM antibodies in a cohort of 1,054 children aged 12 months to 14 years.
- Audiological evaluation, specifically assessing for bilateral sensorineural hearing loss in infected children.
Main Results:
- A prevalence of 2.2% (23 out of 1,054 children) for rubella virus infection was identified.
- Fifteen of the 23 infected children exhibited bilateral sensorineural hearing loss, with varying degrees of severity.
- The study observed a lower prevalence of rubella infection compared to some international reports.
Conclusions:
- The low prevalence of rubella infection in Saudi children is likely attributable to the successful implementation of a universal childhood vaccination program.
- Despite low prevalence, rubella infection remains a concern due to its association with significant hearing impairment.
Abstract:
We found positive IgM antibody against rubella virus in the blood of 23 out 1,054 (2.2%) children (age ranged between 12 months and 14 years). Fifteen 23 infected children were found to have bilateral sensorineural hearing loss children of the at-risk group and 11 of 19 from the not-at-risk group). Hearing impairment was bilateral in all cases, profound in 1, moderate to severe in and mild in 5. The serological results of the examined children are discuss and compared with other reported results. The prevalence rate of rubella infection is low. This is attributed to the universal childhood vaccination programme compulsory for all Saudi children.