Parvovirus B19 infection. Associated diseases, common and uncommon

Abstract

Parvovirus B19 infection is common worldwide but is often asymptomatic. However, the virus has been implicated in numerous disorders, including aplastic crisis in patients with chronic hemolytic anemia, erythema infectiosum, arthropathy, arthritis, and fetal infections. Diagnostic tests are not routine, but several are available through commercial reference laboratories. Treatment ranges from analgesics and antipyretics for mild and self-limited illness to administration of commercial immunoglobulin preparations and blood transfusion for more serious conditions.