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Human parvovirus B19 infection with severe anemia affecting mother and son
B M Eriksson1, A Strömberg, A Kreuger
1Department of Infectious Diseases, University Hospital, Uppsala, Sweden.
Insights
Human parvovirus B19 infection can cause severe anemia, especially in individuals with undiagnosed hereditary spherocytosis. Prompt hematological investigation is crucial for identifying underlying conditions during viral-like illnesses.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Virology
- Genetics
Background:
- Severe anemia can manifest following infections with symptoms like fever, myalgia, rash, and gastrointestinal distress.
- Human parvovirus B19 is a known cause of various hematological conditions.
Observation:
- A mother and son presented with severe anemia after exhibiting symptoms consistent with a viral infection.
- Infectious agent identified as human parvovirus B19 through elevated IgM antibody titers.
Findings:
- Both patients were diagnosed with previously unrecognized hereditary spherocytosis.
- Hereditary spherocytosis significantly exacerbated the anemia caused by parvovirus B19 infection.
Implications:
- Highlights the critical need for comprehensive hematological evaluation in patients with severe anemia and viral-like symptoms.
- Undiagnosed hemolytic conditions like spherocytosis can lead to severe aplastic crises during viral infections.
- Emphasizes the importance of identifying chronic hemolytic diseases for effective patient management during acute illnesses.
Abstract:
Two patients, a 43-year-old mother and her 12-year-old son developed severe anemia after a disease with fever, myalgia, rash and gastrointestinal symptoms. The infectious proved to be caused by human parvovirus B19 (IgM antibody titer rises). Investigations revealed that both patients suffered from spherocytosis, apparently hereditary and not known before. This emphasizes the importance of thorough hematological investigations in patients showing symptoms resembling a viral disease when seen in connection with severe anemia in order to reveal underlying chronic hemolytic disease. In patients with these diseases transient aplastic crisis will give a much more pronounced anemia than in otherwise healthy individuals.