[Transmission of parvovirus B19 by blood and blood components]

Abstract

Objective: To determine the clinical significance of parvovirus B19 (B19) and the potential risk of transmission by blood or plasma products. Procedures to avoid this transmission are discussed.

Data sources and selection criteria: Known physico-chemical data of autonomous parvoviridae, and studies on the incidence of B19 in blood or plasma products, were considered. Data on B19 infection published by the author and/or other investigators.

Results: B19 occurs endemically in Germany. The incidence of B19 virus-positive blood donations is approximate 0.01-0.03%. Despite using virus-inactivating procedures transmission of B19 by clotting factor concentrates cannot be excluded at present.

Conclusions: Transmission of B19 virus by blood or plasma products can be avoided by testing single donations for B19-specific antibodies by enzyme-immunoassay or B19 DNA by polymerase chain reaction.