Rubella Virus – Detection
The rubella virus, belonging to the Rubivirus genus of RNA viruses, causes rubella, a mild infectious rash disease. It is transmitted via respiratory droplets and through the placenta, which can lead to congenital infection in the fetus.
The virus can be isolated from nasopharyngeal secretions, blood, urine, cerebrospinal fluid, and feces of infected individuals (some asymptomatic, others symptomatic).
Subclinical cases (where the individual does not realize they are infected) are twice as common as symptomatic cases, so 10–20% of adolescents have antibodies without knowing when they contracted rubella.
Infection during the first trimester of pregnancy is particularly serious, as it may cause severe congenital abnormalities in the fetus.
Turnaround Time: 1 week
