Rubella Reinfection in Pregnancy Followed by Transmission to the Fetus

Abstract

Rubella reinfection in a pregnant woman was apparently transmitted to the fetus, as evidenced by congenital malformations and occurrence of IgM antibodies in umbilical cord blood. The woman had high serum titers of rubella HAl antibodies of the IgG class but no demonstrable neutralizing antibodies before reinfection. It is suggested that therapeutic abortion be considered in reinfected pregnant women who lack neutralizing antibodies to rubella virus.