Rubella Seroprevalence Boost in the Pediatric and Adolescent Population of Florence (Italy) as a Preventive Strategy for Congenital Rubella Syndrome (CRS)

Vaccines

Working Group AUSLTC¹  Sara Boccalini²  Benedetta Bonito²  Paolo Bonanni²  Angela Bechini²  Emilia Tiscione²  Beatrice Zanella²  Federico Manzi³  Working Group DHS³  Marco Del Riccio³  Working Group AOUMeyer⁴ 

[1] AUSL Toscana Centro, 50122 Florence, Italy;Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy;Medical Specialization School of Hygiene and Preventive Medicine, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy;Meyer Children’s Hospital, 50139 Florence, Italy;

关键词: rubella;    CRS;    vaccination coverage;    pediatric;    adolescent;    seroprevalence;   

DOI  :  10.3390/vaccines8040599

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

Background: Despite the availability of an effective vaccine since the 1970s, rubella disease and, importantly, congenital rubella syndrome (CRS) remain a public health concern. The aim of this study was to analyze the rubella seroprevalence in the children population of the province of Florence and compare the obtained results to a previous survey conducted in 2005–2006. Methods: A qualitative measurement of anti-rubella antibodies was performed on 165 sera using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). The anamnestic and vaccination status was also collected. Results: Our study highlighted a very high rubella seroprevalence (85–100%) in our enrolled population. In the vaccinated group (153/165), 98.7% of them were positive to rubella antibodies. Conclusions: Our study showed the highest seroprevalence rate reached in the province of Florence for rubella in the last 15 years, thanks to the several successful vaccination campaigns promoted in the Tuscany region. Our findings in pediatric and adolescent subjects are a key factor in preventing CRS in adult life, specifically in childbearing women. Thus, the set goal will be to keep the awareness about the vaccination for this preventable disease high.

【 授权许可】

Unknown