Congenital rubella

[GarryDrold]

Congenital rubella is a viral infection acquired from the mother during pregnancy. Signs are multiple congenital anomalies that can result in fetal death. Diagnosis is by serology and viral culture. There is no specific treatment. Prevention is by routine vaccination.
(See also Rubella and Overview of Neonatal Infections.)
Congenital rubella typically results from a primary maternal infection. Congenital rubella is now rare in the US because of very successful immunization programs (see Effectiveness and Safety of Childhood Vaccination).
Rubella is believed to invade the upper respiratory tract, with subsequent viremia and dissemination of virus to different sites, including the placenta. The fetus is at highest risk of developmental abnormalities when infected during the first 16 weeks of gestation, particularly the first 8 to 10 weeks. Early in gestation, the virus is thought to establish a chronic intrauterine infection. Its effects include endothelial damage to blood vessels, direct cytolysis of cells, and disruption of cellular mitosis.