Prevalence of varicella-zoster antibodies in pregnant women in Catalonia (Spain). Rationale for varicella vaccination of women of childbearing age.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of antibodies against varicella-zoster virus (VZV) in pregnant women in Catalonia (Spain).

SETTING

The prevalence of antibodies against VZV was assessed in a representative sample (n = 1522) of pregnant women of Catalonia obtained in 2003.

METHOD: The sample was obtained including all women attended for childbirth, during 2 months of 2003, in 27 randomly selected hospitals with maternity clinics.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Varicella-zoster antibodies were determined using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay test.

RESULTS

The total number of women included in the study was 1522, corresponding to a participation rate of 83%. The prevalence of varicella-zoster antibodies in pregnant women was 96.1% (95% CI 95.1-97.1). The prevalence of antibodies was 94% in pregnant women aged 15-24 years, 95% in those aged 25-29 years and >95% in those aged 30-49 years. The prevalence of antibodies was not associated to the place of birth, place of residence (urban or rural), educational level and social class. The study showed that 6% of pregnant women aged 15-24 years and 5% of those aged 25-29 years were susceptible to varicella-zoster infections in Catalonia (Spain).

CONCLUSION

The study showed that a varicella-zoster vaccination programme aimed at women of childbearing age could be necessary in Catalonia to prevent all varicella-zoster infections during pregnancy.