VIOLIN: Vaccine Investigation and Online Information Network

Pathogen Page

Rubella virus

I. General Information

1. NCBI Taxonomy ID:

2. Disease:

Rubella

3. Introduction

Rubella virus is a togavirus that is enveloped and has a single-stranded RNA genome. Rubella virus causes Rebella, commonly known as German measles. This disease is often mild and attacks often pass unnoticed. The disease can last one to five days. Children recover more quickly than adults. Infection of the mother by Rubella virus during pregnancy can be serious. After an incubation period of 14-21 days, the primary symptom of rubella virus infection is the appearance of a rash (exanthem) on the face which spreads to the trunk and limbs and usually fades after three days. Other symptoms include low grade fever, swollen glands (post cervical lymphadenopathy), joint pains, headache, conjunctivitis. Rubella can cause congenital rubella syndrome in the newly born (Wiki: Rebella).

4. Microbial Pathogenesis

Rubella virus is transmitted by the respiratory route and replicates in the nasopharynx and lymph nodes. The virus is found in the blood 5 to 7 days after infection and spreads throughout the body. It is capable of crossing the placenta and infecting the fetus where it stops cells from developing or destroys them (Wiki: Rebella).

5. Host Ranges and Animal Models

Humans are the only known host of the rubella virus (Wiki: Rebella).

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