Epidemiological Profile of Rubella in Pregnant Women in the City of Conakry, Republic of Guinea

Abstract

Introduction: Rubella is a generally benign contagious viral disease that mainly affects children and young adults. However, it can cause serious congenital malformations when women are infected early in pregnancy. Objective: To contribute to the diagnosis of rubella in pregnant women in Conakry with a view to improving their care. Methods: This prospective, descriptive and analytical study lasted 6 months, from 01 July to 31 December 2024. The Euroimmun IgM measles ELISA kit was used to test for anti-measles and anti-rubella immunoglobulin M. Results: 304 samples were examined. All age groups were involved, but IgG was detected much more in pregnant women aged 24 to 34 and 13 to 23, with prevalence of diseaseof 43.42% and 39.42% respectively.  Women with a marriage certificate were the most represented, at 65.13%, compared with 26.97% of pregnant women without a marriage certificate. The socio-professional categories show that out of the 304 samples examined, women in management positions are the most represented with 210 cases and 5 positive results, or 1.64%, followed by students with 36 cases, 14 sales agents, 28 administrative staff with one woman in each group affected by rubella, 9 security agents and 7 farmers, all of whom tested negative for rubella. The commune of Matoto was the most represented, at 55.59%. With regard to immunoglobin M, of the 304 samples received at the laboratory, 8 had IgM, i.e. 2.64%, compared with 97.36% of negative cases. The 24-34 age group was the most affected, with an anti-rubella IgM detection rate of 1.64%. Pregnant women with a certificate were the most represented, at 1.64%, compared with 0.98% of pregnant women without a marriage certificate. The commune of Matoto was the most affected, at 1.32%. In terms of immunoglobulin G, 280 of the 304 samples tested contained immunoglobulin G, giving a seroprevalence rate of 92.11%. Conclusion: Rubella infection in pregnant women remains a major concern because of the potential severity of maternal and foetal damage.