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Persistent parvovirus B19 infections in immunocompromised children
G Flunker1, A Peters, S Wiersbitzky
1Institut für Medizinische Mikrobiologie, Abteilung Virologie, Universität Greifswald, Germany.
Medical Microbiology and Immunology
|May 9, 1998
Summary
Immunocompromised children often have prolonged parvovirus B19 infections. B19 DNA was detected in 45% of patients, but fewer showed immune responses, suggesting persistent infections.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Immunocompromised patients frequently experience prolonged viral infections with diminished immune responses.
- Chronic, low-level viral infections are common in these individuals, with viral DNA detectable long-term via polymerase chain reaction (PCR).
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the presence of parvovirus B19 (B19) and associated immune responses in immunocompromised children.
- To compare the prevalence of B19 DNA and antibodies in children with oncological and hematological diseases.
Main Methods:
- Sera from immunocompromised children were analyzed using PCR for B19 DNA.
- Immunoblot and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were employed to detect IgG and IgM antibodies against B19 viral proteins (VP1/2 and NS1).
Main Results:
- Parvovirus B19 DNA was detected in 45% of the children's sera.
- IgG antibodies to B19 VP1/2 were found in 25%, and to NS1 in 15%. IgM antibodies to VP1/2 were detected in 6% of cases.
- The prevalence of B19 DNA exceeded that of specific antibody responses, indicating a lower rate of detectable immunity.
Conclusions:
- Immunocompromised children exhibit a lower incidence of detectable immune responses to parvovirus B19 compared to the presence of viral DNA.
- Persistent parvovirus B19 infections, with or without immune response, are more common in these children.
- Blood product transfusions may represent a potential route of B19 transmission in this population.