Human parvovirus B19 infection in pregnancy: should screening be offered to the low-risk population?

Shell Fean Wong1, Fung Yee Chan, Robert B Cincotta

  • 1Department of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Mater Mothers' Hospital, South Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.

Human parvovirus B19 infection during pregnancy can result in fetal hydrops and death. Intra-uterine transfusion in hydropic fetuses affected by the virus can reduce perinatal deaths. Up to 33% of women with this infection are asymptomatic. In view of the significant adverse outcomes, the role of routine screening among low-risk pregnant women is discussed.

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