Parvovirus B19 in Children: Clinical Spectrum, Viral Load Patterns, and Atypical Cutaneous Presentations in the...

Area of Science:

• Virology
• Pediatrics
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Human parvovirus B19 causes diverse clinical presentations, varying by age group.
• A rise in parvovirus B19 cases was observed across Europe in 2023-2024.
• Understanding B19V clinical spectrum and risk factors is crucial for pediatric care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze clinical and laboratory features of pediatric parvovirus B19 infections.
• To investigate the association between viral load, immune response, and rash presentation.
• To identify predictors of atypical cutaneous manifestations in children.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 102 pediatric patients with confirmed parvovirus B19 infection (2023).
• Assessment of demographic data, laboratory results, viral load (PCR), and clinical symptoms.
• Focus on cutaneous manifestations, particularly erythema infectiosum and petechiae.

Main Results:

• Rash occurred in 92.2% of patients; petechial rash was associated with older age and lower platelets.
• Higher viral loads correlated significantly with petechial rash (p < 0.001).
• Multivariate analysis identified viral load as the sole predictor of petechial rash (aOR = 1.4, p = 0.042).

Conclusions:

• Parvovirus B19 is typically self-limiting in healthy children, even with atypical presentations.
• Elevated viremia is linked to atypical rash morphology, suggesting age-related immune clearance differences.
• Viral load is a key factor in determining rash type in pediatric B19V infections.