Rubella in Sub-Saharan Africa and sensorineural hearing loss: a case control study

Caroça, C; Vicente, V; Campelo, P; Chasqueira, M; Caria, H; Silva, S; Paixão, P; Paço, J

http://hdl.handle.net/10400.26/17857

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Abstract(s)

Rubella infection can affect several organs and cause birth defects that are responsible for congenital rubella syndrome (CRS). Congenital hearing loss is the most common symptom of this syndrome, occurring in approximately 60% of CRS cases. Worldwide, over 100 000 babies are born with CRS every year. There is no specific treatment for rubella, but the disease is preventable by vaccination. Since 1969, the rubella vaccine has been implemented in many countries, but in Africa, only a few countries routinely immunize against rubella. The aim of this study was to estimate the rate of infection from the wild-type rubella virus in São Tomé and Príncipe by determining rubella seroprevalence with a DBS method. The goal of this study was to reinforce the need for implementation of the rubella vaccine in this country. As secondary objectives, the validation of a DBS method was first attempted and an association between seroprevalence and hearing loss was assessed.

Keywords

Síndrome de Rubéola Congénita Surdez África ao Sul do Saara Perda Auditiva Neurossensorial Deafness Rubella Syndrome, Congenital Hearing Loss, Sensorineural Africa South of the Sahara