An Investigation on Antirubella Immunoglobulin Titeres and the Level of Protectivity Among 5 Major Highly Populated Cities of Gilan Province

Objective: Rubella is a viral disease with minor morbidity, unless it is contracted by a pregnant woman in early pregnancy that leads to congenitalRubella syndromes. Rubella occurrence during the first trimester leads to fetal death or severe congenital defects.Present study was conducted to survey the protection level against Rubella in the pregnant women of Gilan in IRAN,to be used for the vaccination and prevention programs.Methods: This investigation was carried out in six cities of the province,97 pregnant women aged between 17-38 years old serum samples were taken, Serum IgG and IgM levels were measured by inhibitory competitive ELISA.All cases had a protective level of anti-rubella IgG due to <5 IU/ml(negative), >10(positive) determination,Whereas two women had an equivocal level of IgM referred to <0.9 IU/ml(negative) and >1.1(positive) calculations. Results: According to the obtained results 2.06% of women were suspected to active Rubella infection. Significant correlations were found between seroprevalence of rubella IgG and geographical residency and seasonal fluctuations. Discussion: Our findings indicated that population general immunity exists nowadays,but this immunity level might not only be a result of vaccination,we strongly recommend routine antirubella IgG screening for women at the age of childbearing before marriage or conception as well as vaccinating non immune women.