What does it mean if rubella virus IgG antibodies are high before pregnancy?

Written by Du Rui Xia
Obstetrics
Updated on February 05, 2025
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Before pregnancy, it is generally necessary to undergo eugenic prenatal tests, and the rubella virus test is one of them. If the test shows that rubella virus IgG antibodies are elevated, this indicates that the patient has previously been infected with the virus or has been vaccinated against the rubella virus, and antibodies have been produced in the body, providing immunity to the virus. Therefore, when a rubella virus IgG is detected, the patient does not need to be particularly worried, as this result does not affect a normal pregnancy. Regardless of whether or not one has been vaccinated against rubella, it is advisable to avoid contact with children infected with rubella during early pregnancy to prevent contracting the rubella virus, which can affect the growth and development of the fetus.

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Written by Xiong Hong Hai
Infectious Disease
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Can you get pregnant if you test positive for rubella virus?

A positive rubella virus test requires attention as to which specific indicator is positive. If the IgM is positive, then it is certain that pregnancy should be avoided. If the IgM is negative and the IgG is positive, it indicates past infection with rubella virus. There is currently no rubella virus infection in the body, and the presence of rubella virus IgG offers protective effects, preventing the virus from infecting again. Thus, under this circumstance, pregnancy can proceed normally. Rubella is a self-limiting disease, and during an infection, pregnancy should not occur because the rubella virus can pass through the placental barrier into the fetus, potentially causing restrictions in fetal growth and development.

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Written by Xiong Hong Hai
Infectious Disease
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"Rubella virus positive" means what?

Rubella virus positive, in fact, most cases are diagnosed through blood tests for rubella virus IgG antibodies or IgM antibodies. It depends on which specific indicator is tested. If the IgM antibody is positive and the IgG antibody is negative, it indicates an ongoing infection. If both IgG and IgM antibodies are positive, it can be diagnosed as a rubella virus infection. If the IgG antibody is positive and the IgM antibody is negative, it indicates a past infection with no current rubella virus infection. If the rubella virus is cultured or detected in nasal secretions or blood, a definitive diagnosis can be made.

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Written by Xiong Hong Hai
Infectious Disease
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What does rubella virus mean?

Rubella virus is the pathogen of rubella, belonging to single-stranded positive-sense RNA viruses. Rubella virus can easily cause vertical transmission. If pregnant women are infected with rubella virus in the early stages of pregnancy, it may enter the fetus through the placental barrier, leading to stillbirth, miscarriage, or fetal deformities. The survival ability of rubella virus outside the human body is relatively weak. It is very sensitive to ultraviolet light, ether, and common disinfectants, which can generally kill the virus. After infection with rubella virus, the disease is self-limiting, and most cases can recover on their own in about two weeks, primarily through symptomatic treatment.

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Written by Du Rui Xia
Obstetrics
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Impact of Rubella Virus on the Fetus

During pregnancy, if a pregnant woman is infected with rubella virus, it poses a significant risk to the fetus, primarily causing congenital developmental abnormalities. For example, there may be cardiac malformations, congenital heart disease, cataracts, and deafness. Some may experience delayed brain damage during infancy after the baby is born, as well as diabetes or other central nervous system disorders. When rubella virus infection occurs, it is generally advised to consider terminating the pregnancy. The risk of fetal infection and congenital malformations is highest in early pregnancy, potentially exceeding 80%.

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Written by Xiong Hong Hai
Infectious Disease
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How is rubella virus caused?

Rubella is an acute infectious disease primarily caused by the rubella virus, which can lead to a series of symptoms following infection. It can be transmitted from mother to child, as the rubella virus can pass to the fetus through the placenta. Additionally, it can be transmitted through airborne respiratory droplets commonly found in the environment. Patients with rubella have a high concentration of the virus in their saliva. When they talk, cough, or sneeze, virus-laden droplets are produced. When ordinary people inhale these droplets, they may contract the disease. Rubella is self-limiting, and most cases are mild and can fully recover on their own.