Rubivirus

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Scanning electron microscope image of Rubella virus. From: blog.cytalk.com [2]

Etiology/Bacteriology

Taxonomy

| Domain = Viruses | Class = ssRNA viruses | Order = ssRNA positive-strand viruses, no DNA stage | Family = Togaviridae | Genus = Rubivirus

NCBI: Taxonomy Genome: Rubivirus

Pathogenesis

Transmission

Rubella virus is transmitted through direct contact with respiratory fluid. (2) The virus initially infects the respiratory tract and begins the replication process in that location. (3)

Clinical Features

Postnatal Infection

Adult Rubella Virus Rash
From: http://classes.midlandstech.edu/carterp/courses/bio225/chap21/ss4.htm

The rubella virus, when contracted postnatal, has very mild signs and symptoms. The disease begins with a rash that starts on the face, in most cases, and spreads to the rest of the body. In children, the disease will only cause the rash but in adults the rubivirus can cause mild fever, throat pain, arthralgia and enlarged lymph nodes, in addition to the rash. (3) The rubella virus causes a specific type of rash called maculopapular, meaning small flat, red and raised spots. (4)