Rubella is transmitted by secretions and can cause which congenital syndrome?

• A. Congenital Rubella Syndrome with hearing loss and cardiac defects
• B. Congenital varicella syndrome
• C. Congenital CMV with chorioretinitis
• D. Congenital syphilis with Hutchinson's teeth

Answer: (A)

Rubella infection during pregnancy can cause Congenital Rubella Syndrome. When the mother is infected, especially in the first trimester, the virus can disrupt fetal development and lead to deafness and heart defects as core features. Sensorineural hearing loss is a hallmark consequence, and cardiac defects such as a patent ductus arteriosus are common. Additional associated findings can include cataracts and growth or developmental issues, but the combination of hearing loss with cardiac defects is the classic pattern. Other choices point to congenital syndromes from different infections (varicella, CMV, syphilis) and are not caused by rubella.