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[Parvovirus B 19]
Abstract:
Since 1981, many reports have contributed to establish that a human parvovirus (parvovirus B 19), which had been isolated only in asymptomatic blood donors, is the causative agent of transient but intense erythroblastopenia in patients with different types of chronic haemolytic anaemia. In vitro cultures of erythroid inhibitors revealed an inhibition by parvovirus B 19, abolished by convalescent serum. In healthy subjects without chronic haemolysis, first contact with parvovirus B 19 results in an inconstant influenza-like syndrome with transient erythroblastopenia which does not produce symptoms since the normal erythrocyte life span covers the effect of parvovirus B 19 on bone marrow. Parvovirus B 19 is also suspected to be the causative agent of erythema infectiosum (fifth disease) which occurs in children.
Insights
Human parvovirus B19 causes temporary severe anemia (erythroblastopenia) in individuals with chronic hemolytic anemia. It may also cause Fifth Disease (erythema infectiosum) in children.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Hematology
- Immunology
Background:
- Human parvovirus B19, identified in blood donors, is linked to erythroblastopenia in chronic hemolytic anemia patients.
- In vitro studies show parvovirus B19 inhibits erythroid precursors, an effect reversed by convalescent serum.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish parvovirus B19 as the causative agent of transient erythroblastopenia in chronic hemolytic anemia.
- To investigate the role of parvovirus B19 in erythema infectiosum.
Main Methods:
- In vitro cultures of erythroid inhibitors.
- Analysis of clinical reports linking parvovirus B19 to specific conditions.
Main Results:
- Parvovirus B19 demonstrated inhibitory effects on erythroid precursors in vitro.
- In healthy individuals, parvovirus B19 infection can cause an influenza-like illness with transient erythroblastopenia.
- Parvovirus B19 is implicated as the cause of erythema infectiosum (fifth disease).
Conclusions:
- Parvovirus B19 is a significant cause of transient erythroblastopenia in patients with chronic hemolytic anemia.
- Parvovirus B19 is a suspected causative agent of erythema infectiosum in children.