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Questions and Answers
Why is rubella considered eliminated in the U.S. despite its presence worldwide?
Why is rubella considered eliminated in the U.S. despite its presence worldwide?
- The CDC redefined rubella, excluding mild cases from the criteria.
- Advanced treatment protocols have eradicated the virus from the population.
- Widespread vaccination efforts have significantly reduced its incidence, with only imported cases or those from travelers occurring. (correct)
- The virus has mutated into a less virulent form within the U.S.
What immunological mechanism is theorized to be the primary cause of the rubella rash?
What immunological mechanism is theorized to be the primary cause of the rubella rash?
- Direct viral cytopathic effect on epidermal cells.
- Release of histamine from mast cells.
- Type I hypersensitivity reaction mediated by IgE.
- Antigen-antibody-mediated vasculitis. (correct)
A pregnant woman in her first trimester contracts rubella. What is the most severe potential consequence for the fetus related to heart development?
A pregnant woman in her first trimester contracts rubella. What is the most severe potential consequence for the fetus related to heart development?
- Asymptomatic atrial septal defect.
- Ventricular septal defect that spontaneously resolves after birth.
- Patent ductus arteriosus. (correct)
- Mild arrhythmia requiring no intervention.
What is the public health significance of infants with congenital rubella syndrome (CRS) shedding the virus for an extended period after birth?
What is the public health significance of infants with congenital rubella syndrome (CRS) shedding the virus for an extended period after birth?
In the diagnosis of acute rubella infection, why is the detection of rubella-specific IgM antibodies preferred over rubella IgG antibodies in non-pregnant individuals?
In the diagnosis of acute rubella infection, why is the detection of rubella-specific IgM antibodies preferred over rubella IgG antibodies in non-pregnant individuals?
Why is viral culture rarely performed for diagnosing rubella?
Why is viral culture rarely performed for diagnosing rubella?
A 25-year-old female presents with polyarthritis, postauricular lymphadenopathy, and a maculopapular rash that started on her face and progressed downwards. Given this clinical presentation, which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?
A 25-year-old female presents with polyarthritis, postauricular lymphadenopathy, and a maculopapular rash that started on her face and progressed downwards. Given this clinical presentation, which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?
What is the rationale behind administering the live attenuated rubella vaccine after 12 months of age?
What is the rationale behind administering the live attenuated rubella vaccine after 12 months of age?
How does the pathogenesis of rubella differ from that of measles, another childhood exanthem caused by a virus?
How does the pathogenesis of rubella differ from that of measles, another childhood exanthem caused by a virus?
During which phase of rubella infection is an individual most contagious?
During which phase of rubella infection is an individual most contagious?
Flashcards
Rubella
Rubella
Also known as German measles, caused by a virus leading to mild fever and rash, but serious risks to unborn babies include congenital rubella syndrome.
Rubella Transmission
Rubella Transmission
Rubella spreads through respiratory droplets and from mother to fetus during pregnancy.
Rubella Replication
Rubella Replication
Initial replication in nasopharynx and lymph nodes, followed by spread to internal organs and skin.
Rubella Symptoms
Rubella Symptoms
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Congenital Rubella Syndrome (CRS)
Congenital Rubella Syndrome (CRS)
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Cause of Congenital Rubella Syndrome
Cause of Congenital Rubella Syndrome
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Rubella Diagnosis
Rubella Diagnosis
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Rubella Treatment
Rubella Treatment
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Rubella Vaccine
Rubella Vaccine
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Rubella Prevention
Rubella Prevention
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Study Notes
- Rubella, or "little red," is caused by a virus and is also known as German measles.
- Rubella is one of the five classic childhood exanthems, along with measles, roseola (HHV-6), erythema infectiosum (parvovirus B19), and chickenpox.
- Composed of one piece of single-stranded RNA and has an icosahedral nucleocapsid, surrounded by a lipoprotein envelope.
- Surface proteins include hemagglutinin.
- Belongs to the genus Rubivirus within the Togaviridae family.
- Transmitted via respiratory droplets and transplacentally from mother to fetus.
- The CDC declared rubella eliminated from the U.S. in 2005 due to widespread vaccination, with current cases typically imported.
- Commonly spreads in crowded conditions like daycare centers.
- Initial replication occurs in the nasopharynx and local lymph nodes, succeeded by viremia, spreading the virus.
- Natural infection leads to lifelong immunity.
Clinical Symptoms
- Incubation period of 14 to 21 days.
- Prodromal phase: Brief period with fever and malaise.
- Exanthem phase: Maculopapular rash that starts on the face and progresses downward to involve the extremities and lasts about three days.
- Characteristic symptom is postauricular lymphadenopathy.
- In adults, especially women, it can cause polyarthritis due to immune complex formation.
Congenital Rubella Syndrome (CRS)
- CRS is a teratogen.
- Significant congenital malformations can occur when a non-immune pregnant woman is infected during the first trimester due to maternal viremia and fetal infection.
- Results in heart defects (patent ductus arteriosus), eye abnormalities (cataracts), and neurological issues (deafness and mental retardation).
- Infants infected in utero can shed the virus post-birth for months, posing a public health risk.
Diagnosis and Treatment
- Diagnosis confirmed by the presence of rubella-specific IgM antibodies.
- Pregnant women with rubella IgG antibodies are presumed to have been recently exposed.
- RT-PCR can detect viral RNA.
- Isolation is difficult and rarely attempted.
- There is no treatment; however, fetal damage is preventable through vaccination.
- The live attenuated rubella vaccine is part of the MMR vaccine (measles, mumps, rubella).
- The vaccine is recommended after 12 months of age to ensure protection against rubella and its complications.
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