Parvovirus infection in a family with wheeze in an adult

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An In vitro Model to Study Immune Responses of Human Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells to Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection
09:01

An In vitro Model to Study Immune Responses of Human Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells to Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection

Published on: December 10, 2013

R Postlethwaite

    The Journal of the Royal College of General Practitioners
    |May 1, 1986
    PubMed

    Insights

    Human parvovirus infection can cause respiratory symptoms like wheezing and cough, alongside joint pain and itching. This case highlights a prolonged, multi-phase illness presentation in an adult.

    Area of Science:

    • Virology
    • Infectious Diseases
    • Clinical Medicine

    Background:

    • Human parvovirus B19 is a common pathogen, typically causing erythema infectiosum (fifth disease) in children.
    • Adult presentations of parvovirus B19 infection are less common and can manifest with diverse symptoms.

    Observation:

    • A 59-year-old physician experienced a family outbreak of human parvovirus infection.
    • The illness presented in distinct phases: a prodromal wheeze, an acute episode with itch and arthropathy, and a prolonged convalescent phase.

    Findings:

    • The patient exhibited a biphasic illness course characteristic of certain viral infections.
    • Respiratory symptoms (cough, wheeze) and joint involvement (arthropathy) were prominent features.
    • The acute phase was marked by pruritus (itching) and arthropathy.

    Implications:

    • This case underscores the varied clinical spectrum of human parvovirus B19 in adults.
    • Physicians should consider parvovirus B19 in the differential diagnosis of adult-onset respiratory and rheumatologic symptoms, especially during outbreaks.
    • Recognizing atypical presentations is crucial for timely diagnosis and management of parvovirus B19 infections.

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