What congenital condition is associated with Rubella infection in pregnancy?

Rubella infection during pregnancy is specifically associated with a range of congenital conditions collectively referred to as Congenital Rubella Syndrome (CRS). One of the hallmark features of CRS is hearing impairment, with deafness being one of the most significant and identifiable effects. This occurs because the rubella virus can directly affect the developing inner ear during critical periods of gestation, leading to sensorineural hearing loss. In addition to deafness, CRS can also cause other complications such as cataracts, cardiac defects, and growth retardation, but deafness is particularly prevalent and widely recognized.

In contrast, Down syndrome is a chromosomal condition usually resulting from trisomy 21, spina bifida is a neural tube defect related to folic acid deficiency, and Turner syndrome is a chromosomal disorder caused by the absence of one of the two X chromosomes in females. None of these conditions are directly linked to rubella infection during pregnancy. Therefore, the association of deafness with congenital rubella infection is essential for understanding the teratogenic effects of this virus and highlighting the importance of vaccination before pregnancy to prevent these outcomes.