Seroprevalence of rubella in women of reproductive age

This study was conducted on 160 females of childbearing age and 40 girls of prefertility age group. The rubella immunity status was analysed according to their age, social class, geographical distribution and previous obstetric history. History of previous rubella infection was obtained in 12% cases only. The over all incidence of rubella immunity was found to be 55%. There was a gradual increase in the immunity status, with peak incidence of 66% between 30 to 34 years of age. Females of low socioeconomic status showed higher incidence of immunity (63%) compared to social class I (40%). Rubella immunity was higher in urban female population (57%), where-as only 49% of rural females were immune to rubella virus infection. The immunity status of women with previous BOH was higher (61%) as compared to those with normal obstetric performance (54.6%). From the above observations, it was concluded that a substantial number of women enter child bearing without immunity to rubella. A simple HAI test for rubella antibody (IgG) can be a good pointer to pick up susceptible female population and the seronegative females should be immunised against rubella before they contemplate pregnancy.