Rubella Seroprevalence and real-time PCR detection of RUBV among Congolese pregnant women

Abstract

BackgroundRubella is an acute infectious disease caused by Rubella virus (RUBV). RUBV remains an important pathogen worldwide, causing approximately 100 000 cases of congenital rubella syndrome (CRS) every year; and the most severe consequence of rubella is teratogenicity. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of RUBV IgG antibodies and determine RUBV genotypes in Congolese pregnant women in Kongo central province, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).MethodsThis was a prospective cross-sectional study that consisted of a laboratory analysis of blood samples from 78 pregnant women to check for the presence of RUBV IgG antibodies, and also determine RUBV genotypes in seropositive samples (using primers targeting RUBV nucleoprotein), with the use of serological and molecular methods, respectively. Participants were pregnant women attending antenatal care clinics (ANC) at two health zones of Kisantu town in DRC. They were followed-up from the first to third trimester. Those who were negative for RUBV antibodies at the initial assay (first trimester) were tested in the second and, eventually, the third trimester.ResultsAn overall rubella seroprevalence of 58.97% was observed, whereas RUBV nucleoprotein was detected in 60% of randomly selected 30 blood samples among the 46 RUBV seropositive pregnant women. Five (27.77%) of positive samples were positive for both RUBV genotypes (RV8633/9112 and RV8945/9577), whereas 11 (61.11%) of them were positive for RV8633/9112 and two (11.11%) were positive for RV8945/9577 only. Regarding rubella clinical signs and complications, two subjects (2.56%) presented with fever, whereas five pregnant women (6.41%) had experienced abortion. None (0%) of the participants has been vaccinated against RUBV.ConclusionsFindings from this study suggest that RUBV is prevalent in Congolese pregnant women. Further research is required to elucidate the molecular epidemiology of RUBV in order to design a rational rubella surveillance and control program in DRC.

Seroepidemiology Study of Cytomegalovirus and Rubella in Pregnant Women in Luanda, Angola: Geospatial Distribution and its Association with Socio-Demographic and Clinical-Obstetric Determinants

“…Also in other countries of the world the prevalence is high: 88.1% and 93.5% in Turkey [56,57]; 87% in United States of America (USA); 98% in Spain; and 96.3% Iran [58,59]. In contrast, the seroprevalence in this study is higher than reports from Democratic Republic of Congo (58.97%) [60], Sudan (65%) [61] and Nigeria (68%) [62]. These variations might be due to the difference in the endemicity of the virus, the sample size of the studies, and the laboratory methods used.…”

Rubella infection: Advances and challenges in the diagnosis and prevention of Congenital Rubella Syndrome

“…Rubella occurs worldwide, with a seasonal distribution. The incidence of infection tends to peak in winter or early spring countries and during spring in countries with temperate climates [12]. The prevalence estimated through the seropositivity of the population varies between countries according to their geographic characteristics and the outbreaks still occur among unvaccinated individuals [12].…”

“…The incidence of infection tends to peak in winter or early spring countries and during spring in countries with temperate climates [12]. The prevalence estimated through the seropositivity of the population varies between countries according to their geographic characteristics and the outbreaks still occur among unvaccinated individuals [12]. In 1969, prior to the introduction of the rubella vaccine, widespread outbreaks generally occurred every 6-9 years in the USA and 3-5 years in Europe, mainly affecting children aged 5-9 years.…”

“…In some African countries, rubella seropositivity in women of reproductive age is between 71% -99%. Countries with higher incidence included Mozambique (95%) and South Africa (97% -98%) [12]. In 2011, a measles surveillance campaign implemented in the Kinshasa, capital of Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), showed that 24% of blood samples screened were positive for rubella IgM antibodies [12,23].…”

“…Countries with higher incidence included Mozambique (95%) and South Africa (97% -98%) [12]. In 2011, a measles surveillance campaign implemented in the Kinshasa, capital of Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), showed that 24% of blood samples screened were positive for rubella IgM antibodies [12,23]. Although knowledge of the geographic distribution of rubella virus genotypes has grown substantially since 2003, the genotypes present in many countries and regions remain unknown [12,24].…”