LABORATORY MONITORING OF RUBELLA

  • 1 January 1985
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 67  (18) , 721-723
Abstract
The levels of immunity to rubella in the population was determined on the basis of findings in serum specimens sent to the laboratory of the National Institute for Virology [Johannesburg, South Africa]. A total of 4791 sera taken between Aug. 1982 and Oct. 1983 were examined for rubella-specific IgG antibodies by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). A disquietingly high proportion (18.4%) of women of child-bearing age were not immune; 59 cases of primary infection occurred in pregnant women, as documented by the presence of rubella-specific IgM antibodies of ELISA. The need to ensure the protection of susceptible women of child-bearing age by prepubertal immunization and screening for immunity is emphasized.

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