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[Perinatal infections of B19 Parvoviruses]

Claudia Di Domenico1, Viviana Moschese, Loredana Chini

  • 1Dipartimento di Sanità Pubblica e Biologia Cellulare, Università di Roma Tor Vergata Cattedra di Neonatologia.

Igiene E Sanita Pubblica
|March 5, 2003
PubMed

Insights

Perinatal Parvovirus B19 (PV B19) infections are uncommon. Antibody screening is recommended only for high-risk pregnancies, with continued monitoring for infected infants to prevent chronic conditions.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Immunology
  • Neonatal Medicine

Background:

  • Perinatal infections pose risks to newborns.
  • Parvovirus B19 (PV B19) is a significant viral pathogen.
  • Accurate detection methods are crucial for managing perinatal infections.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To detect perinatal Parvovirus B19 infections.
  • To evaluate the utility of antibody screening in newborns.
  • To assess the long-term outcomes of infants with PV B19 exposure.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of IgM and IgG antibodies in cord serum from 647 newborns.
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) for viral genome detection.
  • Two-year clinical and molecular follow-up of positive cases.

Main Results:

  • 24% of newborns tested positive for IgG antibodies.
  • PCR detected PV B19 in 2% of infants.
  • No pathologies were observed in PCR-positive infants; viral DNA became undetectable within six months.

Conclusions:

  • Mass screening for PV B19 in pregnancy is not cost-effective.
  • Targeted antibody testing for high-risk pregnancies is more appropriate.
  • Monitoring infants for at least one year is advised to rule out chronic PV B19 infection, regardless of initial health status.

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