Abstract:
Background: Rubella virus infection is normally not a
serious infection in childhood, but if it occurs during
pregnancy it can be a very serious threat to the
developing fetus. It may lead to Congenital Rubella
Syndrome resulting in infant mortality.
Methods: This cross sectional study was conducted in
Microbiology Department, Benazir Bhutto Hospital
(BBH), Rawalpindi.One hundred females with their age
group ranging from 17-25 years were included in the
study. Twenty female medical students studying in each
year of different Medical Colleges were tested. Blood
samples were taken and tested for Anti Rubella
Antibodies (IgG) by ELISA method.
Results: Out of 100 females from Medical Colleges
who were studied 54 females were found positive (54%)
for IgG Anti Rubella Ab whereas 46 females (46%) were
found negative. 4 students (20%) from 1st year, 7 student
(35%) from 2nd year, 12 students (60%) from 3rd year, 14
students (70%) from 4th year and 18 students (90%) from
final year were found Seropositive for IgG Anti Rubella
Antibodies.
Conclusion: Female students exposed to hospital
environment develop antibodies during exposure to
patients. Rubella immunization should be considered
for the age group that is not exposed to the hospital
environment.
