[Acute polyarthritis during a parvovirus B19 primary infection]

Area of Science:

• Virology
• Rheumatology
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Parvovirus B19 is a common human virus.
• In children, it typically causes erythema infectiosum (fifth disease).
• In adults, it can manifest as febrile arthralgia or acute erythroblastopenia.

Observation:

• A 42-year-old woman presented with symptoms suggestive of rheumatoid arthritis.
• Her condition followed a primary parvovirus B19 infection.
• The clinical presentation mimicked rheumatoid-like arthritis.

Findings:

• The patient's symptoms were directly linked to parvovirus B19 infection.
• Primary parvovirus B19 infection can present with atypical rheumatological manifestations.
• This case highlights the diverse clinical spectrum of adult parvovirus B19 infection.

Implications:

• Physicians should consider parvovirus B19 in the differential diagnosis of adult-onset arthritis.
• Early diagnosis of parvovirus B19 infection can prevent misdiagnosis and guide appropriate management.
• Further research is needed to understand the mechanisms behind parvovirus B19-induced arthritis.