Seroprevalence of IgG Antibodies against Rubella Virus Infection among pregnant women visiting three hospitals in Niger State for Ante-natal care.

Abstract

Aim: This study was conducted to determine the seroprevalence of IgG antibodies against rubella virus infection among pregnant women visiting three hospitals in Niger State for ante- natal care. Methods: A cross sectional type of study was conducted on 217 pregnant women. Blood samples were collected from the 217 subjects and tested for IgG anti-rubella virus, using Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) (produced by DRG International Inc., USA). Results: Out of the total 217, 128 (59%) were found positive for IgG anti-rubella. Pregnant women within the age 25-29 years had more prevalence 37 (17.10%) and the least prevalence 2 (0.92%) was recorded among women that are 40 years and above. It was observed that married women had the highest rate 122 (56.22%) and the lowest prevalence (0.5%) was recorded among divorced women. Similarly, pregnant women who are into farming were found to be more infected 62 (28.60%) when compare to others. Pregnant women without formal education had high 72 (56.2%) prevalence and the lowest prevalence 10 (7.8%) was recorded among women with primary education. Pregnant women in the second trimester recorded more infection rate 63(29.03%) compared to those in their first and third trimesters. Furthermore, pregnant women screened at Minna general hospital recorded high prevalence compared to those screened at Paiko and Kuta general hospitals. Both vaccinated and non-vaccinated pregnant women within the age 25- 29 years were more infected compared to other age groups. Conclusion: More awareness on the possible route of transmission of rubella should be encouraged.