Parvovirus infections in childhood

Human parvovirus (HPV) infections have been associated with several clinical syndromes. The virus is the etiologic agent of erythema infectiosum (fifth disease) and the primary cause of aplastic crises in children with sickle cell disease and other hemolytic anemias. Some individuals with an acute symmetric polyarthritis were found to have a recent HPV infection. Although two stillborn infants with proved HPV infections have been identified, the exact relationship among HPV, intrauterine infection, and subsequent fetal damage requires further research.