Rubella seroprevelance among pregnant women in khartoum, sudan
Journal name: World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research
Original article title: Rubella seroprevelance among pregnant women in khartoum, sudan
The WJPR includes peer-reviewed publications such as scientific research papers, reports, review articles, company news, thesis reports and case studies in areas of Biology, Pharmaceutical industries and Chemical technology while incorporating ancient fields of knowledge such combining Ayurveda with scientific data.
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Eltayeb A. M., Kafi S. K. and Eljack M. S.
World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research:
(An ISO 9001:2015 Certified International Journal)
Full text available for: Rubella seroprevelance among pregnant women in khartoum, sudan
Source type: An International Peer Reviewed Journal for Pharmaceutical and Medical and Scientific Research
Doi: 10.20959/wjpr201714-9944
Download the PDF file of the original publication
Summary of article contents:
1) Introduction
Rubella, a mild viral infection, poses significant health risks during pregnancy due to its potential to cause Congenital Rubella Syndrome (CRS), which can lead to severe birth defects. While many developed countries have successfully eliminated rubella through vaccination programs, developing nations like Sudan continue to face challenges related to Rubella and CRS. This study investigates the seroprevalence of rubella among pregnant women in Khartoum, Sudan, aiming to assess immunity levels and identify risk factors associated with rubella infection.
2) High Seroprevalence of Rubella
The study found that 90.5% of the 148 surveyed pregnant women were positive for rubella IgG antibodies, indicating prior exposure to the virus and potential immunity. This high seroprevalence suggests a robust level of protection within the population, particularly in the context of absent routine vaccination programs. Notably, only one participant reported vaccination against rubella, emphasizing a significant reliance on natural immunity. Consequently, the study highlighted that despite high immunity, 9.5% of pregnant women remained susceptible to primary rubella, underscoring the vulnerability of their fetuses to CRS.
3) Identified Risk Factors
Several potential risk factors for rubella infection were investigated. The study identified three significant factors: a past history of abortion (p=0.019), duration of residence in the capital (p=0.030), and family crowding (p=0.016). Interestingly, while the research indicated no significant association with age, education, or occupation, the correlation with past abortions may indicate an association due to complications linked to rubella infection. The findings emphasize the role that living conditions and reproductive history may play in rubella susceptibility.
4) Need for Vaccination and Surveillance
The research points out that despite the high levels of immunity observed, the absence of a structured vaccination program in Sudan raises concerns about the future incidence of rubella and CRS. The study advocates for the establishment of a national surveillance system for rubella and CRS. This includes making the diseases reportable and conducting comprehensive serological surveys to gather data across different age groups. Adopting a vaccination strategy aimed at both infants and women of childbearing age is suggested as a cost-effective approach to eliminate rubella and protect future generations from CRS.
5) Conclusion
In summary, this study provides a critical assessment of rubella seroprevalence among pregnant women in Khartoum, revealing a high rate of immunity alongside a notable segment of the population still vulnerable to the virus. These findings call for immediate attention to develop and implement vaccination strategies coupled with enhanced surveillance systems in Sudan. By addressing the gaps in rubella management, the country can move toward eliminating the risks of rubella and CRS, ultimately safeguarding maternal and child health.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is the primary focus of the study conducted in Khartoum?
The study investigates the seroprevalence of rubella among pregnant women in Khartoum, Sudan, assessing immunity levels and potential risk factors for rubella infection.
What percentage of pregnant women tested positive for rubella IgG?
The study found that 90.5% of the pregnant women were rubella IgG positive, indicating potential protection against rubella infection as per WHO classification.
Which risk factors were found significant related to rubella seroprevalence?
Significant risk factors included past history of abortion, duration in the capital, and crowding in households. Their respective p-values were 0.019, 0.030, and 0.016.
How many participants had been vaccinated against rubella?
Only one participant, constituting 0.67% of the study group, reported having been vaccinated against rubella, highlighting a lack of vaccination coverage.
What recommendations were made based on the study findings?
The study recommends conducting national serosurveys for rubella, making rubella and CRS reportable diseases, and implementing immunization strategies targeting both infants and women of childbearing age.
What ethical approvals were obtained for the study?
The research proposal received approval from the ethical committee of the Sudan Medical Specialization Board, ensuring compliance with ethical standards in conducting the study.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Rubella seroprevelance among pregnant women in khartoum, sudan”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Cutan:
Sudan is a country in northeastern Africa where the study took place, reflecting the local epidemiology of rubella and Congenital Rubella Syndrome (CRS). The geographical and socio-economic context of Sudan highlights the significance of public health initiatives necessary to combat preventable diseases like rubella, particularly in a developing country setting.
2) Study (Studying):
The study serves as a vital research effort to assess rubella seroprevalence among pregnant women in Sudan. It highlights the importance of empirical data in developing public health strategies, especially in regions lacking routine vaccination programs. The findings contribute important metrics for evaluating the risk of CRS in future pregnancies.
3) Pregnant:
Pregnant women are a specific demographic of focus in the study, as susceptibility to rubella during pregnancy can lead to severe complications, including CRS. Understanding their seroprevalence rates is crucial for maternal and fetal health, particularly in areas with limited vaccine coverage, emphasizing the need for targeted health interventions.
4) Disease:
Rubella is classified as a mild disease but poses significant risks, particularly through its teratogenic effects in pregnant women. The study underscores the need for ongoing research and monitoring of infectious diseases in populations to prevent outbreaks and protect vulnerable groups, like pregnant women and their children.
5) House:
The term 'house' refers to the living conditions of the participants in the study, impacting exposure to rubella. Factors such as crowding were shown to correlate with higher seropositivity rates, illustrating how household dynamics and environment can influence the transmission of infectious diseases in communities.
6) Family:
Family structures are significant in the study, particularly regarding how they relate to rubella exposure and transmission. Larger families were statistically associated with increased seropositivity, highlighting the role of social and familial environments in the spread of diseases, making family dynamics a crucial consideration for public health strategies.
7) Transmission:
Transmission refers to how rubella spreads among individuals, which is critical to understanding potential outbreaks. The study indicates endemic transmission in Sudan, drawing attention to the need for effective immunization strategies to break the chain of infection and ultimately protect pregnant women and their future children.
8) Developing:
The term 'developing' refers to countries like Sudan, which may face challenges such as inadequate healthcare infrastructure and vaccination programs. This context emphasizes the necessity for focused public health interventions to prevent diseases like rubella, which can have devastating impacts, especially on maternal and child health in these regions.
9) Science (Scientific):
Science plays an integral role in understanding diseases like rubella through research and analytical methods, such as ELISA testing. The findings from the study highlight the importance of scientific inquiry in guiding public health decisions and formulating effective immunization strategies to protect vulnerable populations.
10) Table:
The table in the study summarizes the correlation between various risk factors and rubella seropositivity. It provides a clear, organized way to communicate complex data, aiding in the understanding of the relationships between socio-demographic factors and disease prevalence, which is essential for designing targeted health interventions.
11) Discussion:
The discussion section of the study interprets the findings and contextualizes them within existing literature. It allows the authors to address the implications of high rubella seroprevalence, draw conclusions about the public health situation in Sudan, and propose recommendations for future research and vaccination efforts.
12) Blindness:
Blindness is one of the severe outcomes associated with Congenital Rubella Syndrome (CRS). The study emphasizes rubella's teratogenic potential, stressing the importance of immunization during pregnancy to prevent such disabilities in newborns, thereby highlighting the broader implications of maternal rubella infection on child health.
13) Deafness:
Deafness is another devastating complication of Congenital Rubella Syndrome (CRS) that can result from maternal rubella infection during pregnancy. The study brings awareness to the risks associated with rubella in pregnant women, emphasizing the urgent need for vaccination programs to prevent this and other serious outcomes for infants.
14) Nature:
The term 'nature' refers to the inherent characteristics of rubella and its effects on human health. Understanding the biological nature of the rubella virus and its transmission dynamics is fundamental for health professionals and researchers in developing effective public health policies and interventions to mitigate its impact.
15) Filling (Filled):
Filled relates to the structured questionnaire utilized to gather demographic and health information from participants in the study. This method is essential for collecting comprehensive data that facilitates understanding of the factors surrounding rubella infection, ultimately aiding in better public health decision-making.
16) Blood:
Blood samples were collected from the pregnant women to analyze for rubella IgG seropositivity using ELISA testing. This process is central to the study, providing the empirical data necessary to assess the immunity levels in the population and identify potential vulnerabilities in maternal-child health.
17) Ras (Rash):
Rash refers to the characteristic symptom of rubella, which is generally mild. The discussion of febrile rashes in the study underlines the disease’s importance beyond its immediate health effects, linking it to potential long-term impacts on pregnancies and emphasizing the need for monitoring and vaccination.
18) Road:
The term 'road' can metaphorically indicate the path towards improved public health strategies and the reduction of preventable diseases in Sudan. It reflects the ongoing process needed to address the identified gaps in vaccination and disease surveillance, aiming for a sustainable roadmap towards rubella elimination.
19) Hand:
Hand symbolizes the role of healthcare providers, community workers, and researchers in combating rubella through prevention and support. Their active participation is crucial in raising awareness, conducting studies, and implementing effective immunization programs that can significantly reduce rubella's impact on public health.
20) Viru:
Assuming a typographical error referring to 'virus,' the rubella virus is the causal agent of the disease. Understanding its characteristics, transmission, and effects on human health is critical for developing effective strategies to combat its spread, particularly among vulnerable populations such as pregnant women.
21) Life:
Life refers to the overall health and well-being of individuals, especially pregnant women and their children, which is directly impacted by rubella infection and associated risks. The study emphasizes the need for preventive measures to protect reproductive health and ensure a healthier future for families.