ABSTRACT

Aim: To investigate the immunity against rubella using the serological status of rubella-specific IgG antibodies (antirubella IgG) in an Iraqi woman of childbearing age (15–49 years). Methods: Retrospective cross-sectional study, conducted for the period from March 2014-April 2016 , test results for an (65) Iraqi’ women aged 20–40 years who had visited an obstetric private clinic and had certain obstetrical problems including frequent abortion, miscarriage, intra-uterine death or fetal Congenital anomalies and here obstetrician requested laboratory results of rubella-specific IgM & or IgG antibody tests. Results: There are differences in percent of abortion and congenital anomalies among different epidemiological areas in Baghdad and the percent of abortion at different age group the highest percent of abortion in women at age 31-40 (Table 1) as compared to age 20-40 ( chi -square : 17-94, P-value : 0-002, P< 0.05 is significant ) in middle of Iraq shows a significant differences in percent of congenital anomalies at age 20-24 as compared to age 31-40 (chi- square: 15-01 , P-value : 0-004 , P< 0.05 significant . The percent of abortion in women in eastern area of Baghdad show percent 80% between 30-40 years which is significant Chi -square: 51.72, P value 0.001. Between 2014 to 2016, antirubella IgM & IgG test results from (65) Iraqi women aged 20–40 years who had visited private obstetric clinics the results showed the percent of IgG / and IgM in aborted women at eastern area of Baghdad, IgG is highly significant especially at age 20 and 40 years age . Chi square: 51.25, P -value: 000 HS, P < .00 HS, Also difference in IgM chi-square: 37.10, P value: 000 HS. Conclusions: In consideration of the factors associated with prevalence of women un-immunized to rubella, future public health efforts should be focused on catch-up activities. And recommended to strengthen disease control and prevent rubella, including a nation-wide immunization program.

Keywords: Rubella, Abortion, Congenital anomalies, IgM, IgG.