Primary rubella virus infection: prevalence and relationship to pregnancy wastage.

A total of 580 females (200 in prepubertal age and 380 in reproductive age group) were screened for primary rubella infection. Rubella specific serology (IgM and IgG) was studied by ELISA using commercially available diagnostic kits. IgM seropositivity was observed in 56 of 200 females (28%) of prepubertal age and 26 of 380 females (6.84%) in reproductive age group. Out of 380 females in reproductive age, 183 presented with history of adverse pregnancy outcome and they showed a higher percentage of IgM seropositivity (10.38%) as compared to those with normal obstetric performance (3.55%). However, the difference was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). IgG seronegativity was found in 109 females (28.68%) in reproductive age suggesting their susceptibility to acquire primary rubella infection. Five of 380 (0.32%) females were seropositive for both IgG and IgM indicating reinfection.