[Human Parvovirus B19 infection and aplastic crisis]

Human Parvovirus B19 (B19-virus) is the most frequent cause of aplastic crisis in patients with underlying hereditary haemolytic anaemia. B19-virus interrupts erythropoiesis by lytic damage of erythroid precursors in the bone marrow. Patients with hereditary haemolytic anaemia have a shortened red cell life span and a compensatory increased activity of the erythroid precursors in the bone marrow. Temporary interruption of erythropoiesis leads to a precipitous fall in haematocrit and absence of reticulocytes in the circulation. The symptoms of the illness are anaemia and fever. The treatment is red cell transfusion. The infection is diagnosed either by direct demonstration of B19-virus-DNA or by demonstration of specific IgM-antibodies to B19-virus. The natural infectivity of B19-virus is high, and infection is presumably followed by lasting immunity. Because the infectivity of cases of aplastic crisis caused by B19-virus is especially high, control guidelines are necessary for pregnant seronegative staff. A review of the literature is presented.