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Persistent rubella infection and rubella-associated arthritis
Lancet (London, England)
|June 12, 1982
Summary
Rubella virus was found in lymphocytes of women with persistent rubella-associated arthritis, even years after infection or vaccination. This suggests a role for cell-mediated immunity in chronic rubella virus arthritis.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Rheumatology
Background:
- Rubella virus is a known cause of acute arthritis following natural infection or vaccination.
- Chronic rubella-associated arthritis is less understood, with limited evidence of persistent viral presence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence of rubella virus in patients with chronic rubella-associated arthritis.
- To explore the immune response in these patients.
Main Methods:
- Isolation of rubella virus from peripheral blood lymphocytes.
- Confirmation of viral identification using plaque reduction assays and immunoprecipitation.
- Assessment of cell-mediated immunity via lymphoproliferative assays.
Main Results:
- Rubella virus was isolated from lymphocytes in 6 out of 7 women with rubella-associated arthritis, persisting for up to 6 years.
- Viral identification was confirmed through serological and biochemical methods.
- Patients showed normal antibody levels but strong cell-mediated immune responses to rubella virus antigens.
Conclusions:
- Rubella virus can persist in lymphocytes of individuals with chronic rubella-associated arthritis.
- Cell-mediated immunity plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of persistent rubella virus arthritis.