Related Experiment Videos
Persistent B19 parvovirus infection in pediatric malignancies
K Broliden1, T Tolfvenstam, S Ohlsson
1Department of Clinical Virology, Swedish Institute for Infectious Disease Control, Stockholm, Sweden. Kristina.Broliden@smi.ki.se
Medical and Pediatric Oncology
|July 29, 1998
Summary
Parvovirus B19 infection affects 10% of children with cancer or cytopenias. Bone marrow testing is recommended for detecting B19 DNA in immunocompromised children, as it can cause severe cytopenia.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Oncology
- Infectious Diseases
- Hematology
Background:
- Investigated the frequency and clinical significance of parvovirus B19 infection in pediatric patients with malignancies and cytopenias.
- Assessed diagnostic utility of bone marrow and serum polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for B19 DNA detection.
Observation:
- Parvovirus B19 infection was identified in 6 of 53 children with malignancies via bone marrow PCR.
- PCR sensitivity in serum was comparable or lower than in bone marrow samples.
- One child with acute lymphoblastic leukemia experienced persistent B19 infection during maintenance therapy, leading to severe, prolonged cytopenia.
Findings:
- B19 infection was detected in 10% of the studied pediatric population.
- Infections ranged from asymptomatic to severe, prolonged cytopenia.
- Clinical presentation in a severe case included rash, fever, and pharyngitis, with seroconversion to B19 IgM-positive.
Implications:
- Bone marrow examination is a recommended diagnostic method for B19 DNA in immunosuppressed children.
- Early detection and management of B19 infection are crucial in pediatric cancer patients.
- Highlights the clinical importance of parvovirus B19 in immunocompromised children.