Rubella Antibodies, IgG, Serum/Plasma

Rubella virus is the causative agent of the disease commonly known as German measles. It is classified as the only member of the genus Rubivirus within the family Togaviridae. The only known natural hosts of rubella are humans. The virus is transmitted from person to person via respiratory aerosols. The clinical symptoms of post-natally acquired rubella virus infections are usually mild, and many infections are asymptomatic. Symptoms start with macropapular rash appearing on the face and spreading over the trunk and the extremities 16-20 days after exposure. Low-grade fever, lymphadenopathy, sore throat, and general malaise are also common symptoms of the infection. Transient joint involvement such as arthritis and arthralgia may also happen. Symptoms are more prevalent and severe in women than in men. More serious complications including thrombocytopenic purpura and postinfectious encephalopathy or encephalomyelitis are occasionally associated with postnatally acquired rubella.

The major concern posed by Rubella is the teratogenicity with maternal infection early in pregnancy leading to congenital rubella syndrome (CRS) in infants. Infection during the first 8 weeks after the last menstrual period results in nearly all foetuses becoming infected and developing congenital defects. After 17 weeks gestation, the risk of developing any defects is low. Clinical manifestations of CRS are numerous and varied, with deafness being the most common. However, cardiac disease, mental retardation, and ocular conditions such as cataracts and glaucoma are not uncommon in CRS. Detection of rubella-specific IgG usually forms the basis of antenatal surveillance for rubella immunity. However, it does not discriminate The detection of Rubella-specific IgM antibodies indicates recent or current rubellosis. between vaccine induced immunity and infection acquired during early gestation.

1 ml Serum 1 ml K2, K3-EDTA or Li, Na-Heparin Plasma Stability: 14 Days at 2-8 °C > 14 Days at -10 °C or Colder

Avoid grossly haemolysed samples.

Non Reactive: < 10.0 IU/ml Reactive: ≥ 10.0 IU/ml