Seroprevalence Of Rubella Virus Antibodies Among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Clinic in Ekiti State

Abstract

Rubella virus infection poses a great threat to the foetus whose mother acquires the infection. This study was therefore carried out to determine the seroprevalence of rubella virus IgM antibodies among the pregnant women attending Federal Teaching Hopsital, Ido Ekiti. One hundred and ninety two (192) sera were collected from pregnant women and screened for rubella virus IgM antibodies. A structured questionnaire was administered to subjects to obtain socio-demographic data. The sera samples were analysed using Enzymes Immunosorbent Assay (EIA) IgM rubella kit. Out of 192 pregnant women screened, 6(3.1%) subjects were sero-positive. Age group 31-35years recorded the highest prevalence 3(1.56%). Pregnant women with tertiary education had the highest prevalence of 4(2.08%) among different educational level; civil servants have a prevalence of 4(2.08%) compared with other occupational status. However, prenatal screening and post-partum is highly encouraged to detect congenital rubella syndrome. There is also a need to include rubella screening as part of the routine procedure for the expectant mother.