Parvovirus infection

Description of the disease

It is an infectious viral disease, manifested in children as a rash, in adults as an acute aplastic crisis, joint damage, and in pregnant women infected – severe fetal damage.

Pathogen

The causative agent of the infection is Parvovirus B19.

Spread

The source of infection is a person with symptomatic or asymptomatic Parvovirus infection. It is transmitted through droplets in the air, household contact, blood, and placenta. The virus can cause seasonal outbreaks of the disease in March-May, but isolated cases are possible at any time of the year. The high-risk group includes individuals with weak immunity, those with hemoglobin disorders, and pregnant women.

Symptoms

The disease occurs 5-15 days after infection. In children, Parvovirus B19 infection usually presents as infectious erythema (skin redness due to inflammation). Before the rash, there may be a low-grade fever. Initially, the cheeks become red (the “slapped cheek” symptom), later pink spots and papules appear (raised skin lesions). The limbs and trunk may also be affected. As the elements of the rash fade from the center, a net or lace-like pattern emerges. It lasts for 1-2 weeks.

Diagnosis

Infectious erythema in children is usually diagnosed based on clinical signs. The diagnosis can be confirmed by finding specific antibodies in the blood serum or detecting viral nucleic acids in the blood, cerebrospinal fluid, or bone marrow. A blood test for Parvovirus infection will show a decrease in all blood cells (pancytopenia) and elevated inflammatory markers.

Treatment

There is no specific treatment against Parvovirus B19, only symptomatic. Patients with immune system disorders may be given intravenous immunoglobulin. Aplastic crises are treated with red blood cell transfusions.

Prevention

There are currently no vaccines. It is advisable for fertile women, especially those working with young children, to avoid contact with children with rash-related diseases.

Source | Author Doctor Nikas Samuolis, reviewed by Prof. Virginijus Šapoka | Vilnius University | Faculty of Medicine | Head of the Department of Internal Medicine, Family Medicine, and Oncology