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Parvovirus B19 transmitted by bone marrow
E D Heegaard1, B Laub Petersen
1Departments of Clinical Microbiology and Pathology, University State Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark. e.heegaard@immi.ku.dk
Abstract:
We describe a case of symptomatic parvovirus B19 infection transmitted by bone marrow (BM). The infection caused prolonged anaemia, thrombocytopenia, arthralgia and erythema infectiosum in a 16-year-old girl with acute myeloid leukaemia receiving a BM transplant (BMT). The BM donor was a 19-year-old asymptomatic brother who had parvovirus B19 viraemia at the time of BM harvest. Sequencing of the VP2 gene from the patient and the donor showed a perfect match of DNA sequences, confirming the mode of transmission. Parvovirus B19 represents a potential complicating factor in patients undergoing BMT, but screening by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of donor BM may reduce the risk of infection.
Insights
Symptomatic parvovirus B19 infection can occur after bone marrow transplant (BMT). Screening donor bone marrow using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) can help prevent parvovirus B19 transmission in BMT recipients.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Hematology
- Transplantation Immunology
Background:
- Bone marrow transplantation (BMT) is a critical treatment for acute myeloid leukemia.
- Parvovirus B19 is a common virus that can cause significant illness in immunocompromised individuals.
Observation:
- A 16-year-old female with acute myeloid leukemia developed prolonged anemia, thrombocytopenia, arthralgia, and erythema infectiosum post-BMT.
- The patient's bone marrow donor, an asymptomatic 19-year-old male, had parvovirus B19 viremia at the time of donation.
Findings:
- DNA sequencing of the VP2 gene confirmed parvovirus B19 transmission from donor to recipient.
- The case highlights symptomatic parvovirus B19 infection acquired through bone marrow transplantation.
Implications:
- Parvovirus B19 poses a potential risk for patients undergoing BMT.
- Implementing polymerase chain reaction (PCR) screening for parvovirus B19 in donor bone marrow can mitigate transmission risk.