Infections caused by parvovirus B19

Abstract

Parvovirus B19 was discovered in 1974 by Cossart et al; is a single stranded unenveloped DNA virus, which virion is isometric, uniform and has icosagedral symmetry. B19 infection has been found in all countries, it is almost certainly world-wide in distribution. Infections occurs most frequently in late winter, spring and early summer months and are transmitted by respiratory route. Erythema infectiosum is the most common manifestation of human parvovirus B19 infection, is most commonly acquired between 4 and 10 years of age and at least 60% of adults are seropositive. Erythema Infectiosum is characterized by three stages of rash that involves the face and may also involves trunk and extremities. In adult patients, particularly women, arthralgia or arthritis have been associated with up to 80% of Erythema Infectiosum casually starts in the small joints of the hand. Maternal parvovirus B19 infection with or without rash, can affect fetus. Transient aplastic crisis can be caused by HPV B19 in patient who have increased rate of RBC destruction or loss. Others diseases or symptoms complexes may be associated with B19 infection in the coming years as this virus and its infections continues being an interesting field of investigation.