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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Does rubella virus require treatment?

Rubella virus generally does not have specific antiviral drugs, and treatment is mainly symptomatic. Most cases of rubella are relatively mild and many do not require treatment; full recovery usually occurs within about two weeks. For those presenting with noticeable fever and joint pain, symptomatic treatment can be provided, such as choosing some antipyretics or pain relievers. Generally, patients do not need hospital treatment. After recovery from the illness, relapse generally does not occur and one may acquire some immunity. Most patients do not have any sequelae, but pregnant women may face the risk of miscarriage or fetal malformation.

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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 Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
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Is there a difference between urticaria and rubella?

Urticaria and rubella are quite different; rubella is a contagious disease caused by a viral infection, commonly seen in children. It can be transmitted through droplets and contact, and symptomatic treatment is usually adopted. In contrast, urticaria is an allergic skin disease with a still unclear and complex etiology, often treated with anti-allergy methods.

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Infectious Disease
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How is the rubella virus transmitted?

Rubella virus can be transmitted through airborne respiratory droplets, as well as through common contact between individuals, and can also spread through mother-to-infant contact and vertical transmission from mother to infant. The saliva of rubella patients contains a large number of rubella viruses, and airborne droplets carrying the virus can be produced when talking, coughing, or sneezing. People with low immunity who inhale these droplets can then develop the disease. Rubella is an acute self-limiting disease. Diagnosis requires a comprehensive assessment of the patient's clinical symptoms and blood tests for rubella-specific antibodies. Once a definite diagnosis is made, symptomatic treatment should be administered.

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Written by Xiong Hong Hai
Infectious Disease
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Does the blood test for rubella virus require fasting?

During the examination for rubella, blood can be drawn to test for rubella virus-specific antibodies IgG and IgM. It is best to conduct these tests on an empty stomach as fasting results are more accurate. Additionally, rubella virus can be isolated from some of the nasal secretions of the patient, though this test is more expensive and less commonly used. Rubella is a self-limiting disease; if IgM is found positive through rubella antibody testing, rubella can be confirmed and symptomatic treatment should be administered. There is no specific antiviral medication for the rubella virus.