Open AccessSeroprevalence of rubella in pregnant women in Southern Morocco
Author(s) -
Hanane Zahir,
Lamiae Arsalane,
Ghita Elghouat,
Hanane Mouhib,
Youssef Elkamouni,
Saïd Zouhair
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
the pan african medical journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.287
H-Index - 30
ISSN - 1937-8688
DOI - 10.11604/pamj.supp.2020.35.1.18496
Subject(s) - medicine , rubella , seroprevalence , vaccination , pregnancy , congenital rubella syndrome , rubella virus , congenital rubella , obstetrics , immunization , pediatrics , immunology , antibody , serology , measles , genetics , biology
Rubella is a generally benign but dangerous viral infection in early pregnancy, due to the teratogenic potential of the virus. Indeed, it causes spontaneous abortions, in-utero fetal death, premature labor and congenital malformations known as congenital rubella syndrome. The purpose of this study is to determine the immune status of rubella in pregnant women in southern Morocco. A prospective, multicentre study was conducted in 2017 for the detection of rubella IgG and IgM antibodies in 380 pregnant women aged 17 to 46 years, using the Architect i1000 chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay. Eigthy for percent (84.7%) of women were seropositive. Ten percent of multiparous women remained seronegative despite recommendations for vaccination after delivery. Preventive measures against congenital rubella need to be strengthened, and vaccination is needed in non-immunized women. Vaccination awareness campaigns, especially among non-immunized multiparous women, remain essential.