[Human Parvovirus B19 : from benign infections to rare systemic complication]

Human Parvovirus B19 is a single-stranded DNA virus responsible for generally mild and self-limiting infections. In children, it causes erythema infectiosum (fifth disease), while in adults it often presents as symmetrical peripheral polyarthritis. Transmission occurs primarily via respiratory droplets, especially in settings with close contact, leading to recurrent seasonal outbreaks. PVB19 can cause hematologic complications in individuals with underlying blood disorders. Rare but serious complications may affect the cardiac, hepatic, renal, and neurological systems, as well as lead to hydrops fetalis in cases of maternal infection during pregnancy. Diagnosis is based on serology and PCR. The role of PVB19 in the development of autoantibodies remains to be clarified.