[Severe transient neutropenia due to parvovirus B19]

A 10-year-old girl was admitted with a 3-day history of fever, cough, abdominal pain and vomiting. Severe neutropenia (total neutrophil count 186/mm3), a mild increase in ALT and AST, and a positive titer of IgM antibodies against parvovirus B19 were found. The neutropenia resolved and liver enzymes became normal as she recovered. We conclude that parvovirus B19 infection should be considered in the evaluation of an acute illness accompanied by severe neutropenia.