Microbiology
Summary
Rubella virus, a member of the Matonaviridae family, is an enveloped, positive-sense RNA virus transmitted via respiratory droplets. As a major exanthem of childhood, rubella is less common due to modern health practices, but remains a global public health concern, especially due to the congenital syndrome associated with it.
Rubella infection gives rise to a distinctive rash marked by macules and papules. The telltale rash typically lasts approximately 3 days and is accompanied by swollen lymph nodes, especially in the posterior cervical and posterior auricular chains. Despite its generally benign nature, contracting this infection during pregnancy can lead to severe congenital complications, including miscarriage, stillbirth, preterm birth, birth defects, and congenital rubella syndrome (CRS). CRS often presents with a 'blueberry muffin rash', along with jaundice, cataracts, hearing impairment, neurological disorders, and cardiac anomalies. This underscores the vital importance of the rubella vaccine, which plays a pivotal role in preventing congenital infection. Administered as a live attenuated vaccine, it's often administered in combination with vaccines for measles, mumps, and sometimes varicella. The vaccine is recommended for individuals aged 12 months and older, except for pregnant women and those with immunodeficiencies.
Lesson Outline
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FAQs
The rubella virus is a part of the Matonaviridae family, a group of viruses defined by their genome type and the diseases they cause in their hosts. Specifically, rubella virus is in the Rubivirus genus. It is currently the only member of its genus, indicating its uniqueness within this family of viruses.
Rubella is primarily transmitted through the respiratory route, when an infected person sneezes or coughs. Additionally, a pregnant woman can transmit it to her developing baby. The rubella vaccine, usually given as a component of the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine, is very effective in preventing this disease.
Congenital rubella syndrome (CRS) is a serious condition that occurs in a developing baby in the womb when the mother is infected with the rubella virus. CRS can cause a variety of birth defects, including heart abnormalities, hearing and vision loss, intellectual disabilities, and liver or spleen damage.
Rubella is often mild in children and adults, and may even go unnoticed. When symptoms do occur, they typically include a low-grade fever, swollen glands, joint pain, a rash that starts on the face and spreads to the rest of the body, and pink eye. In rare cases, it can cause more serious complications like encephalitis.
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