INSTITUT PASTEUR DE TUNIS , mariemgdoura@gmail.com
Abstract: (263 Views)
Aims: Assessment of rubella immunity coverage relies on regular updates. This study aimed to determine the age-specific seropositivity rates among a large cohort of pregnant women approximately 12 years after vaccine introduction in Tunisia, where serosurveys are both old and scarce.
Materials & Methods: A prospective cohort study was conducted on pregnant women referring to the Maternity and Neonatology Center of Tunis in 2017. Eligible and consenting participants underwent blood sampling twice with a 15-day interval to detect and measure rubella-specific IgG and IgM antibodies. Demographic and obstetric data were also gathered.
Findings: A total of 800 participants with a mean age of 30.6±5 years (range: 17-48) were enrolled in this study. The overall seropositivity rate was 90.4% (n=723) (95%CI: 88.3-92.4). Also, 77 (9.6%) (95%CI: 7.6-11.7) participants were seronegative, among them 36 cases were in the first trimester of their pregnancy. The WHO minimum rubella immunization threshold of 95% was achieved for the first time in the 12-year-old vaccination program target population (96%) (95%CI: 92-99.8). No significant association was found between seropositivity rates and age, geographic origin, occupation, gestational age at the time of enrollment, parity, and abortion history (p> .05), but a significant association was found with educational levels.
Conclusion: Pregnant women vaccinated at the age of 12 showed a high immunization rate. Next decades would witness the elimination of rubella virus circulation as well as congenital rubella syndrome.
Article Type:
Original Research |
Subject:
Virology Received: 2024/06/12 | Accepted: 2024/08/7 | Published: 2024/08/20