Seroprevalence and associated factors for Parvovirus B19 among pregnant women presenting to antenatal clinics in a selected MOH area in Gampaha District

Abstract

Introduction: Up to 50% of pregnant women infected with Parvovirus B19 infection may be asymptomatic, but vertical transmission can still occur. If a pregnant woman gets Parvovirus B19 infection, there is a 30% chance of foetal transmission with a 5 - 9% risk of foetal loss. Foetus can be affected at any stage of the pregnancy with serious complications. Immunity to Parvovirus B19 has not being studied in Sri Lanka before. Detection of IgG antibodies to Parvovirus B19 will identify immunity to infection in pregnant mothers. Objective: To determine seroprevalence and describe associated factors for Parvovirus B19 among pregnant women presenting to antenatal clinics in Mahara MOH area in Gampaha district. Methodology: All immunocopmpetent pregnant women who presented to antenatal clinics in Mahara MOH area were included in the study until the calculated sample size (n = 318) was reached, during the 3 months study period. After obtaining informed written consent, interviewer administered structured questionnaires were used to gather data on socio-demographic and associated factors. Venous blood (5ml) was collected from and serum was separated and stored at -40C until processing. Parvovirus B19 IgG ELISA tests were done at Department of Virology, MRI to detect the immunity, using a validated commercial ELISA kit. Results of the test were made available to clinicians at the relevant antenatal clinics. Results: Results analysis is pending Discussion: Though in the past serodiagnostic tests were available at MRI, currently testing for Parvovirus B19 is not available at MRI / government laboratories. The results of this study may be useful in deciding re-establishment of sero-diagnostic tests for Parvovirus B19 infection in government laboratories in future.