[Parvovirus B19 infection: not confined to exanthema of erythema infectiosum]

Abstract

The well-known condition of erythema infectiosum is caused by parvovirus B19, a single-stranded DNA virus discovered in 1975. The characteristic erythema obviously does not always appear: antibodies are present in 50%-60% of all adults. The virus is transmitted by airborne droplets, and the incubation period is 13-17 days. Clinically, there are unspecific prodromes, and aside from exanthema these can take the form of lymphadenopathy, influenza-like symptoms, and arthralgia. Parvovirus B19 has a marked affinity for erythropoietic cells. The infection may be of clinical importance in patients with haematological disease and can cause fetal death during pregnancy. The diagnosis is confirmed by detection of specific antibodies of the IgM or IgG class.