Seroprevalence of rubella, cytomegalovirus, measles and toxoplasmosis among pregnant women in Oman

ABSTRACT

Serum samples collected from pregnant women in different regions of Oman were tested for IgG antibodies against.,. rubella and measles viruses, cytomegalovirus [CMV] and Toxoplasma gondii by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. None of these women had been vaccinated against measles and rubelIa. Overall, the seroprevalence rate of rubella was 90.6%. In the youngest age group studied [15-19 years], the rate was 89.5%. CMV, measles and Toxoplasma antibodies were found in 95.5%, 96.75% and 42.3% of all women, respectively. Different regions of Oman showed significantly variable seroprevalence rates of rubella and Toxoplasmosis but not of cytomegalovirus or measles. Our results show that most Omani women of childbearing age have had rubella, CMV and measles infections. In addition, the data suggest that natural immu,nity to rubella in this country is commonly acquired before puberty