The susceptibility of the postpartum and postabortal cervix and uterine cavity to infection with attenuated rubella virus.

To determine the susceptibility of the postpartum and postabortal genital tract to infection with attenuated rubella virus, 30 patients with negative hemagglutination inhibition (HI) titers were studied. Following inoculation with Cendehill or RA 27/3 vaccine, viral cultures of the cervix and uterine cavity were obtained with blood specimens to evaluate serologic conversion. Attenuated rubella virus was not isolated in any patient; seropositive conversion was achieved in 24 women. The significance of these findings related to wild rubella virus infection is discussed.