Parvovirus B19 causing leucopenia and neutropenia in a healthy adult

A 27-year-old healthy female presented with a prolonged and intermittent febrile illness. She was found to have leucopenia, neutropenia and thrombocytopenia, but a normal haemoglobin. The patient recovered spontaneously and convalescent serology 1 month later was positive for specific parvovirus B19 IgM and IgG. Parvovirus B19 infection was confirmed by detection of viral DNA by dot blot hybridization in a specimen of blood taken during the acute illness. A review of the previously reported cases of parvovirus B19-induced leucopenia in normal adults is presented. Parvovirus B19 should be considered in the differential diagnosis of leucopenia and neutropenia in healthy adults.