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Congenital Rubella Syndrome (CRS)

Confirmed Case
Live birth
Two clinically compatible manifestations (any combination from Table 1, Columns A and B) with laboratory confirmation of infection:

  • Isolation of rubella virus from an appropriate clinical specimen OR
  • Detection of rubella virus RNA OR
  • Positive serologic test for IgM antibody in the absence of recent immunization with rubella-containing vaccine OR
  • Rubella IgG persisting for longer than would be expected (approximately 6 months after birth) from passive transfer of maternal antibody, or in the absence of recent immunization

Still birth
Two clinically compatible manifestations with isolation of rubella virus from an appropriate post mortem specimen


Probable Case

In the absence of appropriate laboratory tests, a case that has at least

    •  Any two clinically compatible manifestations listed in Table 1, column A OR
    • One manifestation listed in Table 1, column A, PLUS one listed in Table 1, column B
Table 1:  Congenital Rubella Syndrome: Clinically Compatible Manifestations 

                      Column A

                         Column B

  • Cataracts OR congenital glaucoma
  • Congenital heart defect
  • Sensorineural hearing loss
  • Pigmentary retinopathy   
  • Purpura
  • Hepatosplenomegaly
  • Microcephaly
  • Micro ophthalmia
  • Mental retardation 
  • Meningoencephalitis
  • Radiolucent bone disease 
  • Developmental or late onset conditions such as diabetes & progressive panencephalitis & any other conditions possibly caused by rubella virus

 

 
Congenital Rubella Infection

 

Confirmed Case

A case with laboratory confirmation of infection but with no clinically compatible manifestations:

  • Isolation of rubella virus from an appropriate clinical specimen  OR
  • Detection of rubella virus RNA  OR
  • Positive serologic test fro rubella IgM in the absence of recent immunization with rubella-containing vaccine  OR
  • Rubella- IgG for longer than would be expected (approximately 6 months) from passive transfer of maternal antibody, or in the absence of recent immunization

 

Last Updated: May 27, 2011