P13.26: Detectation of human parvovirus B19 in cases of hydrops fetalis in Sao Paulo, Brazil

Abstract

In this study, forty pregnant women with a median gestation age of 25 weeks with prenatal diagnosis of nonimmune hydrops fetalis and suspected of infection by parvovirus B19 were studied between January 1999 and December 2005. Of the 40 maternal-pairs 20 were confirmed to have a B19 infection based on the detection of B19-DNA in maternal sera and fetal serum and/or amminiotic fluid. IgM antibodies for HPV B19 were detected in the sera of 15 mothers and 20 fetuses. HPV B19 DNA was detected in 19 maternal serum, 10 fetal serum and 13 amminiotic fluid specimens. In all 20 positive cases, ultrasound examination demonstrated fetal hydrops, anemia, hepatosplenomegaly, ascite, cardiophatic and amminiotic fluid disorders. Of the total number of cases with positive prenatal diagnosis, fetal loss occurred in 3 cases, 1 by spontaneous miscarriage and 2 by intrauterine fetal death. The results disclosed the accurate laboratory testing and obstetric ultrasonography, fetal mortality from parvovirus infections coud been reduced considerably, and most pregnancies complicated by maternal parvovirus infection could result in healthy outcomes.