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Parvovirus B19 antibodies in immunocompromized children in Thailand

P Suandork1, A Theamboonlers, S Likitnukul

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University & Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand.

Insights

Parvovirus B19 IgG antibodies were found in 16% of immunocompromized Thai children. Post-transplant patients had the highest prevalence (33.3%), while all children were negative for IgM antibodies, indicating no current infection.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Immunology
  • Pediatrics

Background:

  • Parvovirus B19 is a widespread virus with high seroprevalence in adults.
  • Clinical outcomes of Parvovirus B19 infection vary based on immune status, ranging from mild childhood illness to severe conditions like hydrops fetalis.
  • Immunocompromized individuals may be at higher risk for severe Parvovirus B19 infections.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the seroprevalence of Parvovirus B19 infection in immunocompromized children in Thailand.
  • To determine the prevalence of IgG and IgM antibodies against Parvovirus B19 in different subgroups of immunocompromized children.

Main Methods:

  • Indirect Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) was used to detect IgM and IgG antibodies to Parvovirus B19.
  • A cohort of 106 immunocompromized children in Thailand was studied, including those undergoing chemotherapy, post-organ transplantation, on corticosteroids, and with HIV.
  • Antibody levels were analyzed across these distinct immunocompromized subgroups.

Main Results:

  • Overall IgG antibody prevalence to Parvovirus B19 in the studied children was 16.0%.
  • The highest IgG prevalence was observed in children post-organ transplantation (33.3%), followed by children positive for HIV (16.0%), those on chemotherapy (12.2%), and those on corticosteroids (7.6%).
  • All 106 children tested negative for IgM antibodies, suggesting no acute Parvovirus B19 infection at the time of the study.

Conclusions:

  • Parvovirus B19 IgG antibodies are prevalent among immunocompromized children in Thailand, particularly in post-transplant recipients.
  • The absence of IgM antibodies indicates a lack of current Parvovirus B19 infection in this cohort.
  • Further research may be warranted to understand the implications of past Parvovirus B19 exposure in immunocompromized pediatric populations.

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