If complicating pregnancy, which of the following diseases may result in serious teratogenic defect in pregnancy? (Solved MCQ)

If complicating pregnancy, which of the following diseases may result in serious teratogenic defect in pregnancy?

A. Rubella

B. Rubeola

C. Variola

D. Varicella

Correct answer: A. Rubella

Explanation

Rubella (German measles)

If rubella infection complicates pregnancy, especially during the first trimester, it can result in serious teratogenic defects in the fetus.

Explanation:

Maternal rubella can lead to Congenital Rubella Syndrome (CRS), which includes:

• Congenital heart defects (e.g., PDA)
• Cataracts
• Deafness
• Microcephaly
• Mental retardation
• Growth retardation

👉 The risk is highest when infection occurs in early pregnancy (first 12 weeks).

Correct answer: Rubella

Other Options Details

Here is a clear description of each option, with special focus on pregnancy relevance (as commonly asked in exams):

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A. Rubella (German measles)

• Caused by Rubella virus.
• Spread by respiratory droplets.
• Usually a mild illness in children and adults.
• Very dangerous in pregnancy, especially in the first trimester.
• Causes Congenital Rubella Syndrome (CRS) with:
  • Cataracts
  • Deafness
  • Congenital heart defects
  • Mental retardation
• Most important teratogenic viral infection in pregnancy.

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B. Rubeola (Measles)

• Caused by Measles virus.
• Highly contagious respiratory infection.
• Symptoms include:
  • High fever
  • Cough, coryza, conjunctivitis
  • Koplik spots
  • Maculopapular rash
• In pregnancy, it may cause abortion or preterm labor, but
• Does NOT commonly cause congenital malformations.

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C. Variola (Smallpox)

• Caused by Variola virus.
• Severe viral disease with high fever and pustular rash.
• Now eradicated worldwide due to vaccination.
• In pregnancy, it may cause:
  • Severe maternal illness
  • Fetal loss or stillbirth
• Not typically associated with congenital defects.

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D. Varicella (Chickenpox)

• Caused by Varicella-zoster virus (VZV).
• Highly contagious.
• Symptoms:
  • Fever
  • Itchy vesicular rash
• In pregnancy, infection (especially early pregnancy) can cause:
  • Congenital varicella syndrome:
    • Limb hypoplasia
    • Skin scarring
    • Eye and neurological defects
• Less common than rubella but still teratogenic.

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Key Exam Point

• Most serious teratogenic risk in pregnancy: ✅ Rubella

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Writer: Vandita Singh, Lucknow (GS India Nursing Group