🐭 RAT series
Points to Ponder for NEET-PG, FMGE & NEXT
- Rubella virus causes rubella (German measles) and Congenital Rubella Syndrome (CRS) if infection occurs during pregnancy.
- Postnatal rubella presents with a prodrome followed by a maculopapular rash.
- CRS classically presents with a triad of cataracts, deafness, and congenital heart defects.
- Neonatal IgM antibodies are diagnostic of congenital rubella infection.
Structure & classification of the virus:
- Enveloped single-stranded RNA virus
- Genus: Rubivirus (only member)
- Family: Togaviridae
Diseases caused by Rubella virus:
- Rubella (German measles)
- Congenital complication: Congenital Rubella Syndrome (CRS)
Transmission:
- Person-to-person via respiratory droplets
- Replication in the nasopharynx
Incubation Period:
- 14 days (range: 12-23 days)
Postnatal Rubella:
- Prodrome (present in older children and adults):
- Low-grade fever
- Malaise
- Upper respiratory symptoms (1-5 days)
- Rash:
- Generalized maculopapular
- Starts on face, extends to trunk and extremities
- Disappears in 3 days
- Forchheimer Spots (erythematous spots over the palate) may be present in some cases
- Petechiae on soft palate and uvula
Congenital Rubella Syndrome (CRS):
- Classical Triad:
- Salt-and-pepper retinopathy and cataracts
- Sensorineural deafness (58%)
- Congenital heart defects (Patent ductus arteriosus – 50%)
- Other CNS defects: Microcephaly, mental retardation, motor delay, autism
- Transient changes: Hepatosplenomegaly, bone lesions, pneumonitis, thrombocytopenia with petechiae (Blueberry Muffin syndrome)
- Possible outcomes in fetus: Miscarriage, stillbirth, premature birth with congenital defects
- Diagnosis: Congenital Rubella Detection of IgM antibodies in the neonate (IgM does not cross placenta)
Quiz
