Immune deficiency in congenital rubella and other viral infections.

Birth Defects Orig Artic Ser, 1975;11(1):234-8.

South MA, Montgomery JR, Rawls WE

PMID: 167881

Abstract
No immunologic explanation has been found for the chronicity commonly observed in congenital viral infections. In the presence of a humoral immune response, there is continued viral excretion--in rubella for many months, and in the herpes viruses perhaps for life. Infection with rubella early in utero has a profound effect on the developing immune system. Defects observed are: complete immune paralysis, PHA unresponsiveness, immunoglobulin abnormalities, and loss of antibody to rubella. These defects are transient; absence of IgA may be permanent. No such defects have been observed in other congenital viral infections, but precocious development of immune globulin levels and germinal follicles occurs.
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