A study to detect rubella specific IgG antibodies among antenatal mothers in and around Ariyur, Puducherry and to know the influence of other factors on antibody Titre

Introduction: Rubella or German measles is an acute childhood infection, usually mild and of short duration, accompanied by low grade fever, lymphadenopathy and maculopapularrash. Infection during the first trimester of pregnancy leads to still births and spontaneous abortion. Material and method: This is a hospital based study. About 102 pregnant women irrespective of the age, immunization status, previous bad obstetric history and family history of CRS were included. About 2-3 ml of venous blood was collected after informed consent and questionnaires filled by the patient. Test was carried out using ENZYME LINKED IMMUNOSORBENT ASSAY METHOD (ELISA) using commercially available ELISA kit. Results: A total of 102 subjects were included in the study. All the 102 subjects, serum sample were tested for the presence of Rubella specific IgG. 84 (82.3%) subjects were positive IgG i.e. they were immune to rubella infection, 11 (10.7%) subjects were not immune to Rubella infection, 7 (6.8%) tested sample were equivocal. Conclusion: Testing for Rubella antibodies should be advised to the women in the child bearing age group who plan to conceive following marriage. If the results come out to be negative, they should be administered a dose of Rubella vaccine and advised to plan pregnancy after 3 months. Regular antenatal screening for Rubella antibodies should be advised to prevent adverse pregnancy outcomes, by the consulting Obstetrician.