title: Immune deficiency in congenital rubella and other viral infections.
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.
mesh_terms: D000914:Antibodies, Viral; D000917:Antibody Formation; D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology; D002455:Cell Division; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D002675:Child, Preschool; D002908:Chronic Disease; D003587:Cytomegalovirus / Q000276:immunology; D003586:Cytomegalovirus Infections / Q000276:immunology; D005260:Female; D005312:Fetal Blood; D006130:Growth Disorders / Q000209:etiology; D006566:Herpesviridae Infections / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D007108:Immune Tolerance; D007070:Immunoglobulin A; D007074:Immunoglobulin G; D007075:Immunoglobulin M / Q000032:analysis; D007153:Immunologic Deficiency Syndromes / Q000150:complications*; D007165:Immunosuppression Therapy; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D037102:Lectins; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation; D011247:Pregnancy; D012409:Rubella / Q000151:congenital / Q000276:immunology*; D018139:Simplexvirus / Q000276:immunology
chemical_list: D000914:Antibodies, Viral; D007070:Immunoglobulin A; D007074:Immunoglobulin G; D007075:Immunoglobulin M; D037102:Lectins