Congenital rubella infection after previous immunity of the mother

H. Saule¹ , G. Enders², J. Zeller¹ and U. Bernsau¹

(1)	II. Kinderklinik im Krankenhauszweckverband, Stenglinstrasse 2, D-8900 Augsburg, Federal Republic of Germany

(2)	Virologisch-diagnostisches Institut, D-7000 Stuttgart, Federal Republic of Germany

Received: 7 August 1987 Accepted: 27 September 1987

Abstract A newborn boy was admitted with a congenital rubella infection. Seven years previously his mother had been vaccinated against rubella; 3 years previously rubella immunity had been confirmed. Therefore, intrauterine transmission must have occurred after maternal reinfection during pregnancy. Prenatal diagnosis of rubella embryopathy with serological methods after subclinical maternal reinfection is nearly impossible.

Key words Rubella embryopathy - Successful maternal rubella vaccination

Abbreviations ABR auditory brainstem response - CMV cytomegalovirus - CSF cerebrospinal fluid - EBV Epstein-Barr virus - EIA enzyme-linked immunoassay - HAI haemagglutination inhibition test - WBC white blood cell count