Ernandes, Helmi, Ernandes, Helmi, Jelassi, Ibtissem, Masmoudi, Afef (2024). Update on Age-Specific Rubella Seropositivity Rates among Pregnant Women 12 Years after Vaccine Introduction in Tunisia. , 10(3), 223-235. doi: 10.61186/iem.10.3.223
Helmi Ernandes; Helmi Ernandes; Ibtissem Jelassi; Afef Masmoudi. "Update on Age-Specific Rubella Seropositivity Rates among Pregnant Women 12 Years after Vaccine Introduction in Tunisia". , 10, 3, 2024, 223-235. doi: 10.61186/iem.10.3.223
Ernandes, Helmi, Ernandes, Helmi, Jelassi, Ibtissem, Masmoudi, Afef (2024). 'Update on Age-Specific Rubella Seropositivity Rates among Pregnant Women 12 Years after Vaccine Introduction in Tunisia', , 10(3), pp. 223-235. doi: 10.61186/iem.10.3.223
Ernandes, Helmi, Ernandes, Helmi, Jelassi, Ibtissem, Masmoudi, Afef Update on Age-Specific Rubella Seropositivity Rates among Pregnant Women 12 Years after Vaccine Introduction in Tunisia. , 2024; 10(3): 223-235. doi: 10.61186/iem.10.3.223

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

Infection Epidemiology and Microbiology
Article 5, Volume 10, Issue 3, 2024, Pages 223-235    PDF (502.75 K)
Document Type: Original Research
DOI: 10.61186/iem.10.3.223
Authors
Helmi Ernandes1; Helmi Ernandes1; Ibtissem Jelassi2; Afef Masmoudi2
1Department of Infectious Disease, Mohamed Taieb Kassab Institut of Orthopedics, Tunisia. Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, University Tunis El Manar, Tunis 1002, Tunisia
2Laboratory of Clinical Biology, Center of Maternity and Neonatology of Tunis, Tunisia. Faculty of Pharmacy of Monastir, University of Monastir, Monastir 5000, Tunisia.
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
Rubella virus; Epidemiology; Congenital infection; Immunity/Immunization
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