Evaluation of Rubella Antibodies among Women Imminant Marriage in AL- Khalis Province in Diyala Governorate in Iraq

Abstract

Rubella is an acute viral disease that its pathogenesis is usually mild and self-limiting. The importance of this disease its complications for fetus during pregnancy represented by congenital rubella syndrome (CRS). The present study was conducted for the period from first of November of 2014 to 30th August of 2015 in AL- Khalis province in Diyala governorate in Iraq. The study aimed to determining the rate of Rubella-specific IgM and IgG antibodies in women who get marriage. The study included 150 women who get marriage. The mean age was 22± 4.6 years (13-49). Demographic information on women regarding age, residence and level of education were collected from their women. Serum specimens were collected for each woman. Detection of Rubella-specific IgM and IgG was done by Enzyme Linked Immune Sorbent assay (ELISA) test. The results of the present study showed that the 42 women (28%) were anti-RV IgG positive and 108 (72%) were anti-RV IgG negative. While, only 13 women (8.7%) were anti-RV IgM positive and 137(91.3%) were anti-RV IgM negative. There was significant correlation in seropositivity of RV between age group (20-29) years (27%) for anti-RV IgG and (10%) for anti-RV IgM with other age groups. The results revealed insignificantly correlation between urban and rural residence, (33.3%) for anti-RV IgG and (9.5%) for anti-RV IgM. Significant correlation positivity was reported (95.2%) of women for anti-RV IgG and (23.8%) for anti-RV IgM in women with primary school of level of education. In conclusion, am recommended that working similar studies need to be done in other parts of the Diayla governorate. Additionally, the present study recommended that rubella virus vaccination should be considered carefully in Iraq and other developing countries, because of the high seropositivity to RV in our region