Update on Age-Specific Rubella Seropositivity Rates among Pregnant Women 12 Years after Vaccine Introduction in Tunisia

Document Type : Original Research

Authors
H. Ernandes 1
H. Ernandes 1
I. Jelassi 2
A. Masmoudi 2
1 Department of Infectious Disease, Mohamed Taieb Kassab Institut of Orthopedics, Tunisia. Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, University Tunis El Manar, Tunis 1002, Tunisia
2 Laboratory of Clinical Biology, Center of Maternity and Neonatology of Tunis, Tunisia. Faculty of Pharmacy of Monastir, University of Monastir, Monastir 5000, Tunisia.
10.61186/iem.10.3.223
Abstract
Background: 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.

Keywords

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Infection Epidemiology and Microbiology
Volume 10, Issue 3
August 2024
Pages 223-235