Rubella IgG and IgM sero-quantitative profiles of pregnant women attending University College Hospital and Adeoyo Maternity Teaching Hospital in Ibadan, Nigeria.

Abstract

Rubella virus (RUBV), a contagious viral infection with teratogenic potential, poses a significant risk to pregnant women due to its potential to cause Congenital Rubella Syndrome (CRS). Rubella remains endemic in resource-constrained regions of the world, including Nigeria. This study aimed to determine the seroprevalence of Rubella-specific IgG and IgM antibodies among pregnant women in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 276 consenting pregnant women attending Antenatal Clinics at University College Hospital and Adeoyo Maternity Teaching Hospital in Ibadan. Blood samples were collected and analyzed using IDEAL RV-IgG and RV-IgM ELISA kits to detect Rubella virus-specific antibodies. Socio-demographic data were obtained using structured questionnaires, and statistical analysis was done to test associations at a p-value ≤ 0.05. Overall, 264 (95.65%) participants tested positive for Rubella IgG antibodies, indicating widespread immunity, while 6 (2.17%) tested positive for Rubella IgM antibodies, indicative of recent infection. Significantly, 1 (0.36%) tested positive for Rubella IgM antibodies in her first trimester, suggesting heightened risk of rubella infection and CRS. IgG seropositivity showed a statistically significant association (p < 0.001) with some occupations. Study results show high levels of Rubella immunity among pregnant women in Ibadan, likely due to prior exposure, and confirm recent infections with the detection of IgM antibodies in some of the participants, thus underscoring the urgent need for intervention.