Prevalence of serum anti-rubella virus antibodies among pregnant women in southern Italy

Objective: To determine the prevalence of anti-rubella virus antibodies and the level of knowledge about congenital rubella syndrome (CRS) among pregnant women living in southern Italy. Methods: A seroepidemiologic study was conducted between July 1, 2006, and December 31, 2007. Five-hundred women resident in Messina were enrolled in the study; the participants were in the 4th to 39th week of pregnancy. Antirubella virus antibodies were assayed using a microparticle enzyme immunoassay. Demographic details, vaccination history, and participants’ knowledge of the potential risks of rubella infection during pregnancy were assessed via questionnaire. Results: On the basis of the questionnaire results, 70.4% of women were classed as immune to rubella virus infection; however, the prevalence of IgG anti-rubella virus antibodies measured in the participants’ serum was 85.8%. Although 55.2% of women had undergone pre-pregnancy rubella screening, only 81 participants reported that they had been vaccinated before becoming pregnant. The participants’ general knowledge about CRS was poor, as was their understanding of the importance of undergoing screening. Conclusion: The number of women at risk of rubella infection fell short of the national target set for elimination of CRS. Increased involvement and collaboration by all healthcare workers are, therefore, required to disseminate the information necessary to prevent CRS.