Parvovirus B19 infection and idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura

The potential association of human parvovirus B19 infection with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) was studied. All 60 adult patients presenting with ITP at the University Hospital Rotterdam - Dijkzigt during a 12-year period (41 with acute ITP, 19 with chronic ITP) were included. Patient files were retrospectively analyzed. Stored serum samples were tested for parvovirus B19-specific IgG and IgM anti-bodies, and for parvovirus B19 DNA. In only one patient (1.7%) was evidence of recent B19 infection found. Parvovirus B19 is not a frequent cause of adult ITP and should be tested for only when there are other indications of possible parvovirus B19 involvement.