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Parvovirus and epidemic arthritis
1Greater Baltimore Medical Center.
Maryland Medical Journal (Baltimore, Md. : 1985)
|October 1, 1990
Abstract:
Five cases of acute polyarthritis in individuals with serologic evidence of recent human parvovirus B19 infection were seen in one medical practice. Several individuals had had direct exposure to children with rash, and fifth disease was endemic in the community. All cases were associated with the presence of both IgG and IgM antibody to human parvovirus.
Insights
Recent human parvovirus B19 infection caused acute polyarthritis in five patients. This viral arthritis was linked to exposure to children with fifth disease, a common childhood illness.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Rheumatology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Human parvovirus B19 is a common cause of childhood illness, often presenting as fifth disease.
- Acute polyarthritis can be a manifestation of viral infections.
- Serologic testing is crucial for diagnosing recent viral infections.
Observation:
- Five cases of acute polyarthritis were identified within a single medical practice.
- Several patients reported direct contact with children exhibiting a rash.
- The community experienced an outbreak of fifth disease during the observation period.
Findings:
- All five patients with acute polyarthritis showed serologic evidence of recent human parvovirus B19 infection.
- The presence of both IgG and IgM antibodies to human parvovirus confirmed recent infection.
- The clinical presentation suggests a link between parvovirus B19 and acute polyarthritis.
Implications:
- Human parvovirus B19 should be considered in the differential diagnosis of acute polyarthritis, especially during outbreaks of fifth disease.
- Early diagnosis through serologic testing can guide patient management and prevent unnecessary investigations.
- Understanding the rheumatologic manifestations of parvovirus B19 infection is important for public health and clinical practice.