Seroprevalence of rubella antibodies among adult Egyptian females aged 20-30 years. Is there a need for rubella vaccination?

Thursday, 18th of August 2016

Cent Eur J Public Health. 2014 Dec;22(4):282-6.

Seroprevalence of rubella antibodies among adult Egyptian females aged 20-30 years. Is there a need for rubella vaccination?

Gadallah M El Sayed N Kandeel A Moussa I Mohsen A Dewedar S.

Abstract

INTRODUCTION:

Egypt adopted a comprehensive strategy to eliminate measles and rubella by conducting a catch up campaign (in 2008) targeting children and young adults in the age group 10-19 years. This study aimed to explore the seroprevalence of rubella among females aged 20 to 30 years in order to provide the Ministry of Health with information to develop future strategies forrubella supplemental immunization activities among women of childbearing age before marriage and conception.

METHODS:

A total of 339 females in the age group 20 to 30 were selected. The study group comprised women who attended the central laboratory of the Ministry of Health for checking up before travelling abroad as pre-travel requirements for visa application. The collected serum samples were tested for rubella-specific IgG antibodies.

RESULTS:

The overall prevalence of rubella antibodies in the study group was 88.2%. Around 5.0% of females who reported that they had been vaccinated were susceptible to rubella. Age history of measles mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccination and past history of rubella infection were considered factors associated with seropositivity for rubella.

CONCLUSION:

The seroprevalence rate of rubella antibodies among our female study group was considered low.