[Parvovirus (serum-parvovirus-like-virus) and Aurillac antigen. A study of 18 cases]

Two cases of parvovirus viraemia were observed in 1972 by screening of blood donors for HBs Ag by counter-electrophoresis. This virus was named "Aurillac" from the town in which the first case originated. In London, a virus found in the same circumstances in 1975, was found identical to the Aurillac Ag. The authors named it "serum parvovirus-like virus" (SPLV) or parvovirus B 19. Since 1972, 16 additional cases have been observed in Paris. Among these 18 cases, 11 were blood donors, 4 were hospital staff and 3 were patients. Second serum samples were available for 13 of the 18 cases. Seroconversion has been detected in all except one, a patient with lymphosarcoma. Antibody could be observed within few days. Anti-Aurillac antibody was found by CEP in 25,3% of blood donors. Examination of antigen positive sera by immune electron microscopy using a late serum sample showed aggregates of spherical particles measuring 20 nm in diameter. The antigen banded in caesium chloride at a density of 1.38. Ten of the 15 healthy adults could be interviewed: 7 appeared symptomless, 1 had a fever up to 39 degrees C for one day, 2 had erythema (as well as 3 subjects who had been in contact with these 2 persons). These cases are discussed and compared to the British literature showing that this virus could provoke the fifth disease or erythema infectiosum and aplastic crisis in chronic hemolytic syndromes. This virus could contaminate clotting factors.