Rubella virus and arthritis

Abstract

Rubella virus and the rubella virus vaccine are relatively common causes of acute arthralgias and occasionally objective arthritis. Rarely, chronic or relapsing joint syndromes may follow exposure to this virus or vaccine. This article will focus on the virus and its clinical illness. Major emphasis then will be given to the resulting arthritis syndromes and to consideration of the possible pathogenetic mechanisms of the joint manifestations.