Abstract
BackgroudPrimate erythroparvovirus 1 (B19V) is a globally ubiquitous DNA virus. Infection results in a variety of clinical presentations including erythema infectiosum in children and arthralgia in adults. There is limited understanding of the seroprevalence of B19V antibodies in the Australian population and therefore of population-wide immunity. This study aimed to investigate the seroprevalence of B19V antibodies in an Australian blood donor cohort, along with a cohort from a paediatric population.MethodsAge/sex/geographical location stratified plasma samples (n = 2221) were collected from Australian blood donors. Samples were also sourced from paediatric patients (n = 223) in Queensland. All samples were screened for B19V IgG using an indirect- enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.ResultsOverall, 57.90% (95% CI: 55.94%–59.85%) of samples tested positive for B19V IgG, with the national age-standardized seroprevalence of B19V exposure in Australians aged 0 to 79 years estimated to be 54.41%. Increasing age (p < 0.001) and state of residence (p < 0.001) were independently associated with B19V exposure in blood donors, with the highest rates in donors from Tasmania (71.88%, 95% CI: 66.95%–76.80%) and donors aged 65–80 years (78.41%, 95% CI: 74.11%–82.71%). A seroprevalence of 52.04% (95% CI: 47.92%–56.15%) was reported in women of child-bearing age (16 to 44 years). Sex was not associated with exposure in blood donors (p = 0.547) or in children (p = 0.261) screened in this study.ConclusionsThis study highlights a clear association between B19V exposure and increasing age, with over half of the Australian population likely to be immune to this virus. Differences in seroprevalence were also observed in donors residing in different states, with a higher prevalence reported in those from the southern states. The finding is consistent with previous studies, with higher rates observed in countries with a higher latitude. This study provides much needed insight into the prevalence of B19V exposure in the Australian population, which has implications for public health as well as transfusion and transplantation safety in Australia.
Highlights
Primate erythroparvovirus 1, known as parvovirus B19 or B19 virus (B19V), is a globally ubiquitous Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) virus that may occur more frequently in temperate rather than tropical countries [1, 2]
Overall, 57.90% of samples tested positive for B19V Immunoglobulin G (IgG), with the national agestandardized seroprevalence of B19V exposure in Australians aged 0 to 79 years estimated to be 54.41%
This study highlights a clear association between B19V exposure and increasing age, with over half of the Australian population likely to be immune to this virus
Summary
Primate erythroparvovirus 1, known as parvovirus B19 or B19 virus (B19V), is a globally ubiquitous DNA virus that may occur more frequently in temperate rather than tropical countries [1, 2]. The most common clinical manifestation in paediatric patients is erythema infectiosum, commonly known as fifth disease or slapped cheek syndrome [13]. Clinical manifestations of B19V in immunocompromised patients, chronic anaemia, and patients undergoing chemotherapy, are generally atypical [21]. They present with persistent to severe anaemia, fever, lacy skin rash, arthropathy, cardiomyopathy, transient aplastic crisis, and pancytopenia [21]. Transient aplastic crises occurs in those with erythrocyte diseases for example sickle cell disease, thalassaemia and spherocytosis [22] In those with sickle cell disease it can be life-threatening without prompt treatment [22]. The role of B19V in other disease aetiologies, such as other hemotological syndromes, is not well established and there is uncertainty around B19V causation [22]
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