Antibodies against vaccine preventable diseases in pregnant women measles, mumps, rubella, varicella and tetanus in Yozgat, Turkey

Background: Vaccine preventable diseases (VPD) during pregnancy are risk not only for the mother, but also for the fetus. The aim of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of antibodies to tetanus and measles, mumps, rubella, varicella (MMRV) in pregnant women in Yozgat Turkey . Methods : Blood samples were taken from 176 pregnant women admitted to our hospital obstetrics and gynecology outpatient department . The specific IgG antibodies against tetanus and MMRV viruses were determined quantitatively by ELISA and a self-recorded questionnaire was filled including their demographics, disease and vaccination history. Results: The mean age of the pregnant women participating in the study was 27.2±4.9 (18 -45). Tetanus and MMRV IgG seropositivity were respectively 90.34%, 97.16%, 98.30%, 99.4%, 100%. I mmunity to tetanus was higher in pregnants who were vaccinated within last 5 years compared to non-vaccinated ones (93.7% vs 84.6 % respectively). Mean age of individuals having immunity for tetanus was 26.9 ±5 years while that of individuals without immunity 29.8 ±3.7 years. There was a significant negative correlation between age and tetanus immunity rate. It was found that immunity to tetanus decreased as age increased. Conclusion: In this study, high rate of tetanus and MMRV immunity was found among pregnant woman. However, considering of the risks due to the infection during pregnancy, antibodies to VPD should be scanned in childbearing women who have not vaccinated previously or have not the disease, and seronegative ones should be vaccinated before pregnancy.