Session:

Virology and Viral Infections (Non-HIV)

Abstract No.:

40.055

Title:

Rubella susceptibility study among women of child-bearing age - Vientiane Capital, Lao PDR, 2010

Author(s):

K. Lerdsaway¹, K. Thammavongsa¹, P. Ounaphom², B. Khamphaphongphane³, V. Somoulay⁴, P. Vongphrachanh⁵, K. Komase⁶, K. Yamamoto⁶, S. Archkhawong⁷, P. Ketmayoon⁸, M. Phengxay⁸, T. Chanthapaseuth⁸, K. Feldon⁸, J. Denny⁸, C. Winter⁸, H. Lewis⁸; ¹Lao Field Epidemiology Training, National Center for Laboratory and Epidemiology, Vientiane Capital/LA, ²Vientiane Capital Health Department, Department of Epidemiology, Vientiane Capital/LA, ³National Center for Laboratory and Epidemiology, Department of Epidemiology, Vientiane Capital/LA, ⁴National Center for Laboratory and Epidemiology, Laboratory, Vientiane Capital/LA, ⁵National Center for Laboratory and Epidemiology, Director, Vientiane Capital/LA, ⁶National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Lab. of Measles Virus, Dept. of Virology III, Tokyo/JP, ⁷Ministry of Health, Department of Hygiene and Prevention, Vientiane Capital/LA, ⁸World Health Organization, Country Office Lao PDR, Vientiane Capital/LA

Abstract:

Background: Rubella outbreaks are reported in Lao PDR however the burden of rubella and its severe form, Congenital Rubella Syndrome, is not known. There is no routine vaccination. The objective of this study was to better understand the sero-epidemiology of Rubella among women of child-bearing age to contribute to the development of vaccination strategies.
Methods: A cross-sectional serology survey of 784 women between 15-35 years of age attending four central hospitals in Vientiane was conducted. A standardized questionnaire was used to ask subjects about demographics, social economic status, immunisation and obstetric history. Sera from each subject was tested for rubella IgG antibody positivity using a commercial Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA).
Results: 83.2% of all women aged 15 to 35 years tested positive for rubella IgG antibodies. 35.5% of women aged 15-19 and 19.4 % of women aged 20-24 years were found to be susceptible to rubella infection. No associations were found between number of prior pregnancies, number of live births, size of village, number living in villages, education nor socio-economic status.
Conclusion: The most frequent age group for a woman’s first pregnancy in Lao PDR is between 20 and 24 and yet 19.4% of these women are believed to be susceptible to rubella infection. The lack of found associations provides evidence that all women in Lao, no matter their social status or living situation, are highly susceptible to rubella infection. The Lao government as a result of the study will introduce Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccine in 2011 with a catch-up campaign for the age group 9 months-19 years, then from 2012 in the routine immunization.