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.