Salou Mounerou^{1, 2,}, Kolou maléwé^{2, 3}, Dagnra Anoumou Y.^{1, 2}, Nimon Sami¹, Akpadza Koffi⁴, Prince-David Mireille^{1, 2}

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.

Rubella Virus, seroprevalence, pregnancy, Africa