Rubella

Rubella

This test measures the presence of rubella antibodies in the blood. Rubella antibodies are produced in response to an infection by the rubella virus. There are two types of rubella antibodies: IgM and IgG. The first type to appear in the blood after exposure is the IgM rubella antibody. The level of this protein in the blood rises and peaks within about 7 to 10 days after infection and then tapers off over the next few weeks, except in an infected newborn, where it may be detected for several months to a year.

The IgG rubella antibody takes a bit longer to appear than the IgM, but once it does, it stays in the bloodstream for life, providing protection against re-infection. The presence of IgM rubella antibodies in the blood can indicate a recent infection while the presence of IgG antibodies may indicate a recent or past rubella infection or that a rubella vaccine has been given and is providing adequate protection.

ways of infection:

In most patients, rubella goes away within a couple of days without any special medical treatment and causes no further health issues. The primary concern with rubella infection is when a pregnant woman contracts it for the first time during the first three months of her pregnancy. The developing fetus is the most vulnerable to the virus at this time and, if it is passed on to the fetus by the mother, it can cause miscarriage, stillbirth, and congenital rubella syndrome , a group of serious birth defects that will permanently affect the child.


symptoms

The rubella virus generally causes a mild infection marked by a fine red rash that appears on the face and neck and then travels to the trunk and limbs before disappearing a few days later. The virus is passed through nasal and throat secretions and can cause symptoms such as fever, enlarged lymph nodes, runny nose, red eyes, and joint pain. Symptoms may be so minimal, especially in children.

The rubella test is used to

1-confirm the presence of adequate protection against the rubella virus
2-detect a recent or past infection
3- identify those who have never been exposed to the virus and those who have not been vaccinated
4-verify that all pregnant women and those planning to become pregnant have a sufficient amount of rubella antibodies to protect them from infection.

Both the IgM and IgG antibody tests may be ordered on a person may pregnant or not, who has symptoms

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