Seroprevalance of Rubella in an Urban Infertility Clinic – Observations and Challenges Ahead

BACKGROUND: Rubella is a contagious viral illness that can be prevented by vaccination. Currently, vaccination is being offered to children and adolescents. Since an infection in pregnancy can have teratogenic effects, identification of susceptive women and vaccination before conception would be ideal. AIMS: The aim of this study is to estimate the deficiency in immunity against Rubella in women planning conception. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: Retrospective data collected from all women who attended a private assisted reproduction center for evaluation of infertility or for pre-pregnancy counseling between January 2012 and October 2017. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Women underwent measurement of the rubella-specific immunoglobulin G using enzyme-linked fluorescent assay. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Data between age groups were compared using the Chi-squared test. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Of the 1671 cases analyzed, 418 lacked sufficient immunity and therefore needed vaccination. CONCLUSIONS: One in four women was at risk of developing rubella during pregnancy. It is important to screen and vaccinate susceptible women to reduce the risk of congenital rubella syndrome.