Dear Label_Name,

Greetings! I hope you are well.

I am writing on behalf of an international publishing house, Science and Education Publishing, USA (http://www.sciepub.com).

Science and Education Publishing (SciEP) is a multidisciplinary open access publisher of Journals covering the fields of Science, Technology and Medicine. All SciEP publications are subject to high-quality peer review, editorial and production processes and are freely available online.

Welcome to the April, 2013 edition of SciEP newsletter, providing monthly summaries of articles on science & education related topics of interest to scientist and professionals. The mission of our journals is to provide an open access forum for publishing new findings on issues pertinent to scientific and academic field. We also invite you to submit original research papers, review articles, short reports, or case studies are considered for publication in our Multidisciplinary Journals.

American Journal of Public Health Research
DOI: 10.12691/ajphr-1-1-3

The Implementation of a Tele-Homecare System with Service Oriented Architecture and HL7 Message Transmission Standard
Ching-Sung Wang

American Journal of Medical and Biological Research
DOI: 10.12691/ajmbr-1-1-2

The Influence of Ethanol on Pyruvate Kinases Activity in Vivo, in Vitro, in Silico
Lelevich Sergey Vladimirovich, Khrustalev Vladislav Victorovich, Barkovsky Eugene Victorovich, Shedogubova Tatyana Aleksandrovna

American Journal of Medical Sciences and Medicine
DOI: 10.12691/ajmsm-1-1-1

Clinical and Histological Features in Wegener Granulomatosis
Li Cavoli Gioacchino, Passantino Rita, Bono Luisa, Tortorici Calogera, Ferrantelli Angelo, Giammarresi Carlo, Rotolo Ugo

American Journal of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology
DOI: 10.12691/ajidm-1-1-2

The Curse of Lymphatic Filariasis: Would the Continual Use of Diethylcarbamazine Eliminate this Scourge in Papua New Guinea?
Anne Lanham, Lillian Mwanri

We have released issues of some journals on February 2013.
American Journal of Public Health Research
American Journal of Medical Sciences and Medicine
American Journal of Medical and Biological Research
American Journal of Pharmacological Sciences
American Journal of Clinical Medicine Research
American Journal of Nursing Research
American Journal of Cancer Prevention
American Journal of Medicine Studies
American Journal of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology
American Journal of Cardiovascular Disease Research
American Journal of Biomedical Research
American Journal of Mechanical Engineering
American Journal of Microbiological Research
Journal of Preventive Medicine
American Journal of Food and Nutrition
American Journal of Hypertension Research
American Journal of Sports Science and Medicine
Journal of Cancer Research and Treatment
American Journal of Zoological Research
Journal of Biomedical Engineering and Technology
American Journal of Microbiological Research
Biomedical Science and Engineering

We are pleased to announce that submissions are now being accepted for peer review for all the journals across all our subject areas in SciEP.

Please submit your manuscript via our online submission system:
http://www.sciepub.com/author/signin

To unsubscribe from our mailing list, please click on the following link: unsubscribe

I am looking forward to hearing from you.

Kind regards,

David Rain
Email:join@sciepub.com
Science and Education Publishing (http://www.sciepub.com)

Seroprevalence of Rubella IgG Antibody among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Clinic in Lomé, Togo

Salou Mounerou*, Kolou maléwé, Dagnra Anoumou Y., Nimon Sami, Akpadza Koffi, Prince-David Mireille

Service de Microbiologie, CHU Sylvanus Olympio BP 57 Lomé

Abstract: Background: In non-immune women in the first trimester of pregnancy, Rubella Virus (RV) infection can lead to congenital rubella syndrome (CRS). In Togo, very little is known about the rubella seroprevalence. Objective: To assess the rate of immunization against Rubella Virus among pregnant women. Methods: Serum samples obtained from 232 pregnant women were tested for rubella-specific IgG antibodies using a commercial ELISA kit. Results: Overall, the seroprevalence of rubella-specific IgG antibodies was 85% (192/226) [CI 95%: 82.7- 87.3%]. All of the seropositive pregnant women had a protective level (titre > 10 UI/mL). The rates of immunization increased with age and gavidity but differences were not statistically significant. Conclusions: The high rate of immunization found, in absence of a routine vaccination program supports the presence of an endemic rubella infection in Lomé. To prevent CRS and eliminate RV, free access to vaccination for at least children and women of childbearing age in Togo is advocated.

Keywords: Rubella Virus, seroprevalence, pregnancy, Africa

Received August 22, 2015; Revised September 02, 2015; Accepted September 07, 2015

Citation: Salou Mounerou, Kolou maléwé, Dagnra Anoumou Y., Nimon Sami, Akpadza Koffi, Prince-David Mireille, Seroprevalence of Rubella IgG Antibody among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Clinic in Lomé, Togo. American Journal of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, 3 (4). 134-136. January 2015. doi:10.12691/ajidm-3-4-3

1. Introduction

Rubella virus (RV) belongs to the Togaviridae family and genus Rubivirus of which it is the sole member [1,2]. It is enveloped by an icosahedral nucleocapsid protected by a lipid bilayer membrane and has a positive sense single-stranded RNA [2]. The virus is transmitted via respiratory route and is responsible for a disease called Rubella also known as German measles [2,3]. Rubella virus causes mild infection in adults and is characterized by malaise, low-grade fever and a morbilliform rash appearing on the same day [4,5]. However, during pregnancy, the infection may lead to miscarriage, fetal death or the birth of the infant with congenital rubella syndrome (CRS) [6,7].

The clinical diagnosis is difficult to establish because Rubella symptoms are transient and discreet [8]. In laboratory, Rubella screening is carried out by titration of Rubella virus specific antibodies on a first sample performed during a suspicious spurt and on a second sample, fourteen days later to detect a possible increase in immunoglobulin G (IgG), which represent signs of progress of the disease. Rubella specific IgG can be detected in the plasma of a vaccinated individual and in an immunized subject after an infection

To prevent Rubella infections, an effective live attenuated virus vaccine is available. This vaccine is combined with measles and mumps vaccine. In many developed countries from north America and Europe, its implementation in immunization program leads to virtual elimination of the pathogen [9,10,11]. Thus, nowadays, congenital rubella can be prevented by the vaccination of women in childbearing age [11,12]. However, in most sub-Saharan countries, monitoring programs for rubella prevention are lacking. In Togo, preventive vaccination against Rubella Virus is not systematic and data on rubella seroprevalence is lacking. These situations expose children borned to unprotected mothers to the risks related to maternal infection during the pregnancy.

Until 2009, only 2 countries over the 46 members of the World Health Organization, African Region, introduced Anti-rubella vaccine into their national programs. In Togo like in most African countries the epidemiology of Rubella is not well known.

The aim of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of rubella IgG antibody among pregnant women receiving antenatal care. Such information is essential to demonstrate the need to support preventive vaccination, especially among women of childbearing age, to determine a potential risk for vertical transmission of the Rubella virus from mother to child.

2. Patients and Methods

This was a cross-sectional study carried out between July 1st, 2013 and August 30th, 2013 at the Sylvanus Olympio University Hospital in Lomé, the capital city of Togo, a small country of 6 millions inhabitants located in west Africa. Participants provided their informed consent. Data on age, education level, marital status, gestation age and knowledge of the disease were collected using a questionnaire. Venus blood samples were collected from pregnant women in the Obstetrics and Gynecology Unite of the hospital. All samples were transported to the laboratory on the day of collection for serum extraction and subsequent storage at -20°C. Serum samples were screened with a commercial ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) test VIDAS® RUB IgG II to detect Rubella Virus (RV) IgG antibodies. In accordance with the manufacturer's instructions, samples with IgG antibody concentration ≥10 IU/ml were classified as seropositive while samples with an IgG antibody titer <10 IU/ml were considered as seronegative. Equivocal samples were retested and if the result was confirmed, the sample was classified as equivocal.

Before the collection of sample, information regarding the study was explained to the subjects. Oral consent for participation in the study was obtained in French language or in local vernacular.

Data analysis was made using the chi-square test and Fisher’s exact test when appropriate.

3. Results

Table 1. Characteristics of study population

During the study period, 232 pregnant women aged between 15 and 44 years with a median of 28 years were recruited. Only 7(3%) pregnant women had knowledge of Rubella Virus infection and they worked in sector of health. The epidemiologic characteristics of the study population are shown in Table 1.

Out of 232 pregnant women tested for rubella IgG antibody, 192 (82.8%) were positive, 6 (2.6%) were equivocal and 34 (14.6%) were negative. Overall, the prevalence of rubella IgG antibody was 85% (192/226) [CI 95%: 82.7- 87.3%]. All of the positive pregnant women had protective level (titre ranging from 22.8 to 385 UI/mL) of anti-rubella IgG. The prevalence of rubella IgG antibody in relation with pregnant women age and obstetrical parameters is presented in Table 2.

Table 2. Prevalence of rubella IgG antibody by age group, gestational age and gravidity

The lowest rate (75%) of seropositivity was found in the most younger pregnant women group (15-20 years) while highest rate (91.7%) of immunization was found in age group > 35 years (Table 2) but the difference is not statistically significant (p=0.155). Analysis of rubella IgG antibodies prevalence by gravidity showed a higher rate (90%) in multigravida women (Table2). However, there was no significant difference according to number of pregnancies (p=0.058). Based on gestational age, the rate of seropositivity was 97.6%, 78.7% and 85.7% respectively in first, second and third trimester (Table 2). The difference of immunization rates between women in first trimester and the others is statistically significant (p=0.0132).

4. Discussion

In this study, the screening of RV IgG antibody amongst pregnant women reveals a high proportion (85%) of immunization subjects. This seroprevalence rate is similar to those reported in other African countries [13-20]. Although our report is a about 226 pregnant women, the high rate of immunity found suggests a well-supported and continuous transmission of endemic Rubella Virus at least in Lomé the capital city of Togo.

We found that immunization rate increased with maternal age group. Our observation is similar to previous studies [16,21,22] in Nigeria. Given that the difference of prevalence according to age group and gestity are not statistically significant, we could suggest that most infections in women of childbearing age were probably acquired earlier before age of 15 years [23,24]. Upon RV IgG antibodies prevalence found in relation to gestational age, most of women in first trimester (97.6%) were protected (ie RV IgG antibody titer>10UI/mL) and were also able to prevent the transmission of RV to their babies and avoid CRS. In Togo, the burden of rubella infection is not well known due to paucity of data. Even, the rate of immunization against RV is high, this study highlights a susceptible pregnant women population (40/232)(17.2%) with a risk of acquiring rubella infection regardless of age and able to causing a congenital rubella syndrome in their babies. Due to absence of serious clinical symptoms in the disease coupled with a high seroprevalence found in this study, a national program of prevention and elimination of Rubella Virus in Togo must first promote a free antibody testing in populations and secondly proceed to vaccination of non-protected individuals.

5. Conclusions

Humans are the only known reservoir for Rubella Virus; maintenance of rubella requires continuous access to a susceptible population. In Togo, where there is an absence of a routine vaccination program, non-immune population is susceptible to rubella infection. Thus, despite an important immunization rate amongst pregnant women, the risk of CRS is still present nowadays in the country. The endemicity of the infection suggests promoting a free vaccination program for at least children and women of childbearing age.

Acknowledgement

We thank especially the manager Director of Clinic ALPIA located at Hanoukopé in Lomé, Togo. We are gratiful to all the pregnant women who give their consent to participate to the study. We thank the gynecology and the Virology laboratory staffs at CHU Sylvanus Olympio.

Conflict of Interest

None to declare.

References

[1]   | Murray, M. The Rubella Virus. Microbiology and Immunology 3rd Ed, Oxford University Press, 2006, 499-502.
[2]   | Huraux JM, Nicolas JC, Agut H, Peigue-Lafueille H, Traité de virologie. ESTEM, Paris, 2003, 489-501.
[3]   | Cutts FT, Robertson SE, Diaz-Ortega J- L., Samuel R. Control of rubella and Congenital rubella syndrome (CRS) in developing countries, part 1: the burden of disease from CRS. Bulletin of the World Health Organization, 75 (1): 55-68, 1997.
[4]   | Robertson SE, Cutts FT., Samuel R., Diaz-Ortega J-L. Control of rubella and congenital rubella syndrome (CRS) in developing countries, part 2: vaccination against rubella. Bulletin of the World Health Organization, 75(1): 69-80, 1997.
[5]   | World Health Organization. Global measles and rubella laboratory network- update. Wkly Epidemiol Rec.; 80: 384- 8, 2008.
[6]   | Atreya CD, Mohan KV, Kulkarni S. Rubella virus and birth defects: Molecular insights into the viral teratogenesis at the cellular level. Birth Defects Res A Clin Mol Teratol. 70: 431–7, 2004.
[7]   | De Santis M, Cavaliere AF, Straface G, Caruso A: Rubella infection in pregnancy. Reprod Toxicol, 21(4):390–398, 2006
[8]   | Robertson, S.E., Featherstone, D.A., Gacic-Dobo, M., Hersh, B.S. Rubella and congenital rubella syndrome: global update. Rev Panam Salud Publica; 14: 306-315, 2003.
[9]   | CDC. Achievements in public health: Elimination of rubella and congenital rubella syndrome United States, 1969-2004. Morb Mortal Wkly Rep; 54: 279-282, 2005.
[10]   | CDC. Progress toward elimination of measles and prevention of congenital rubella infection, European region, 1990-2004. Morb Mortal Wkly Rep; 54:175-178, 2005.
[11]   | Dayan GH, Castillo-Solorzano C, Nava M, Hersh BS, Andrus J, Rodriguez R, et al. Efforts at rubella elimination in the United States: The impact of hemispheric rubella control. Clin Infect Dis.; 43: 158-63, 2006.
[12]   | Best, J.M., Enders, G. Laboratory diagnosis of rubella and congenital rubella. In: Banatvala JE, Peckham C (eds). Perspectives in medical virology. Vol. 15. Rubella viruses. Elsevier, Amsterdam, 2007, 39-78.
[13]   | Adewumi, M.O., Olusanya, R.B., Oladunjoye, B.A. and Adeniji, J.A. Rubella IgG antibody among nigerian pregnant women without vaccination history. Afr. J. Cln. Exper. Microbiol. 14(1): 40-44, 2013.
[14]   | Obijimi, T. O., Ajetomobi, A. B., Sule,W. F. and Oluwayelu, D. O. Prevalence of rubella virus-specific immunoglobulin-G and -M in pregnant women attending two tertiary hospitals in southwestern Nigeria. Afr. J. Cln. Exper. Microbiol. 14(3): 134-139, 2013.
[15]   | Tahita Marc C, Hübschen Judith M., Tarnagda Zekiba, Ernest Da, Charpentier Emilie, Kremer Jacques R, Muller Claude P and Ouedraogo Jean B. Rubella seroprevalence among pregnant women in Burkina Faso. BMC Infectious Diseases. 13:164, 2013.
[16]   | Olatunji Mathew Kolawole, Ekuntoye O. Anjorin, Daniel A. Adekanle, Caroline Folashade Kolawole, and Kabir Adekunle Durowade Seroprevalence of Rubella IgG Antibody in Pregnant Women in Osogbo, Nigeria Int J Prev Med.; 5(3): 287-292, Mar, 2014.
[17]   | Zohoun T., Zohoun I., Somda V. Epidémiologie de la rubéole par approche sérologique dans la population du sud de la Republique Populaire du Bénin. Medecine de l’Afrique Noire. ; 35, 602-614, 1988.
[18]   | Monjour L., Druilhe P., Huraux JM. Contribution à l’étude de l’épidémiologie de la rubéole en Haute Volta. Acta Tropica. .39:247-252, 1982.
[19]   | Faye-Kette YH., Sylla-Koko DJ., Akoua-Koffi GC. Seroepidemiologie de la Rubeole en Côte d’Ivoire distribution géographique. Bulletin de la Soc. Pathol Exot.; 86: 185-187, 1993.
[20]   | Ouattara SA., Brettes JP., Aron Y. L’infection rubéolique chez les femmes enceintes à Abdijan (Côte d’Ivoire). Bull. Soc Pathol Exot. 80: 149-154, 1987.
[21]   | Bukbuk DN, el Nafaty AU, Obed JY. Prevalence of rubella-specific IgG antibody in non-immunized pregnant women in Maiduguri, north eastern Nigeria. Cent Eur J Public Health. 10: 21-3, 2002.
[22]   | Junaid SA, Akpan KJ, Olabode AO. Sero-survey of rubella IgM antibodies among children in Jos, Nigeria. Virol J.; 8:244, 2011.
[23]   | Onakewhor JU, Chiwuzie J. Seroprevalence survey of rubella infection in pregnancy at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City, Nigeria. Niger J Clin Pract.;14: 2011,140-5.
[24]   | Sallam TA, Raja’a YA, Benbrake MS, Al-Shaibani KS, Al-Hababi AA. Prevalence of rubella antibodies among schoolgirls in Sana’a, Republic of Yemen. East Mediterr Health J.;9: 2003, 148-51.