Seroprevalence of Rubella Virus antibodies among pregnant women in Hodeidah city, Western Yemen

Abstract

Introduction: Rubella infection in early pregnancy can lead to miscarriages, fetal death, or birth of an infant with congenital rubella syndrome (CRS). Like other developing countries, in Yemen rubella surveillance is not well-established. So, the aim of this study was conducted with the objectives of estimating the seroprevalence and potential risk factors in acquiring rubella infection by pregnant women in Hodeidah city Yemen. Methods: A cross‐sectional study was conducted for rubella infection among pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in Hodeidah city, western Yemen. Demographic data, obstetric characteristics, and blood samples were collected and tested for rubella specific antibodies (IgG and IgM) by using the Electro-Chemiluminescence Immunoassay (ECLIA) technique. Results: The study revealed that Rubella virus antibodies were positive in 91.25% of the samples of which 89.2% were positive only for IgG class and 2.0% positive for both IgG and IgM antibodies. There was no statistically significant association between Rubella seropositive and all the socio-demographic characteristics and obstetric characteristics analyzed (P>0.05). Conclusions: Rubella virus is endemic in Hodeidah city, Western Yemen with a high seroprevalence of IgG antibodies among pregnant women. There is a strong recommendation for Rubella screening in pregnant women and to proceed to postpartum vaccination for seronegative women.