A rare case: Rubella reinfection during pregnancy with persistent rubella IgM after abortion

Abstract

A pregnant woman was diagnosed with Rubella re-infection in Northern Cyprus. The patient was unaware of her pregnancy when she sought medical attention for the pain, stiffness and numbness in the finger and hand joints without the presence of a rash. Following the confirmation of pregnancy as part of a routine check, Rubella IgM and Rubella IgG antibodies were assessed. Her Rubella IgM was in the grey zone reference units of the tests performed with the presence of Rubella IgG supporting and reinfection. Thus, further Rubella IgG avidity and Western blot were performed. Rubella IgG avidity was in borderline. Hence, abortion was advised following these test results. Post-abortion, the Rubella IgM antibodies remained persistent for over 12 months.

Keywords

• Rubella
• re-infection
• pregnancy
• persistent Rubella IgM
• Rubella IgG avidity

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