Congenital parvovirus infection

Area of Science:

• Neonatal Medicine
• Virology
• Pediatric Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Congenital parvovirus B19 infection typically presents as hydrops fetalis or transient hydrops.
• Severe outcomes are less commonly reported, especially in premature neonates.

Observation:

• Two premature infants (24 and 35 weeks gestational age) presented with severe illness after birth.
• Clinical signs included placentomegaly, rash, edema, hepatomegaly, anemia, thrombocytopenia, and respiratory insufficiency.

Findings:

• Both infants died within days of birth, with postmortem findings characteristic of parvovirus infection.
• Serological studies and polymerase chain reaction confirmed parvovirus B19 DNA in one case.
• The observed syndrome was severe and distinct from typical parvovirus B19 presentations.

Implications:

• This case series expands the spectrum of congenital parvovirus B19 disease.
• It underscores the potential for severe, fatal outcomes in premature neonates.
• Highlights the need for considering parvovirus B19 in severe neonatal infections.