Evaluation of the seroprevalence of rubella in the region of Dakar (Senegal)

Data on the seroepidemiology of rubella in tropical African countries are still scarce. To determine the seroprevalence in Senegal, we conducted a 6 year retrospective survey among women of child bearing age in the urban region of Dakar, Senegal. The global seroprevalence determined with a commercial enzyme immunoassay among 3471 serological results was 90.1%. The distribution of this prevalence appeared stable with no significant difference between the years of study, age groups, and the socio-economic level of the districts of residence of the patients. Compared to seroepidemiological surveys performed in other western African countries, our data suggest an important and stable circulation of the virus in the region of Dakar. The lack of data on rubella and congenital rubella syndrome (CRS) in Senegal should encourage medical authorities to establish a national rubella surveillance network in order to develop a strategy to survey and control CRS in the country.