2015 Volume 125 Issue 5 Pages 1017-1028
This study investigated the detection of rubella virus genome by pharyngeal swab polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for differentiation of rubella from measles and maculopapular type drug eruption. A total of 36 patients who visited our hospital between November 2012 and October 2013 were clinically diagnosed or suspected as having rubella virus infection, and the results of pharyngeal PCR and enzyme immunoassay (EIA) from sera were compared. We also examined specific clinical symptoms and the results of haematology and biochemistry that were significantly associated with confirmed cases. Among 34 cases who underwent the EIA test, 27 were confirmed as either rubella or non-rubella affected. Two cases were not examined by EIA. Of a total of 36 cases, 28 were confirmed with rubella based on a PCR result; 7 cases were detected by PCR alone. Fever of ≥38°C, thrombocytopenia, elevated liver enzymes (AST and ALT), and elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) were significantly associated with confirmed rubella cases. In this study, rubella cases were identified more effectively, and at earlier time points, by the PCR test than by EIA. These results indicate that PCR testing may allow for more rapid treatment of patients and prevention of further transmission of rubella virus, thus preventing hospital infection or mass outbreak.
