Seroprevalence of parvovirus B19 IgG in children affected by juvenile idiopathic arthritis

Benedikt Weissbrich,Hermann J Girschick,Yvonne Süß-Fröhlich

doi:10.1186/ar2281

Benedikt Weissbrich, Hermann J Girschick + Show 1 more

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https://doi.org/10.1186/ar2281

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Abstract

Parvovirus (PV) B19 is the causative agent of the childhood disease erythema infectiosum. An association of PV B19 with chronic arthropathies, sometimes resembling rheumatoid arthritis or juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), has repeatedly been described. Other studies, however, have failed to identify any such relationship. In order to study further whether there is a link between PV B19 and JIA, we determined the prevalence of PV B19 specific IgG antibodies in serum samples from children with rheumatoid diseases and compared it with the prevalence in unaffected children We reasoned that if there is an association between PV B19 and JIA, then the prevalence of PV B19 IgG in the children with JIA should be higher than in the control group. PV B19 IgG status was tested in 406 children with JIA and related diseases, and in 146 children constituting a control group. The percentage of PV B19 IgG positive children was not significantly elevated in the disease subgroups compared with age-matched control groups. In conclusion, our findings do not support the hypothesis that human parvovirus B19 is involved in the pathogenesis of JIA.

Highlights

Parvovirus (PV) B19, the causative agent of the childhood disease erythema infectiosum, was identified in 1975
In order to study further whether there is a link between PV B19 and juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), we determined the prevalence of PV B19 specific IgG antibodies in serum samples from children with rheumatoid diseases and compared it with the prevalence in unaffected children We reasoned that if there is an association between PV B19 and JIA, the prevalence of PV B19 IgG in the children with JIA should be higher than in the control group
Children were classified into subgroups of JIA or related rheumatic diseases based on the Durban Criteria of the International League of Associations for Rheumatology [13]

Summary

Introduction

Parvovirus (PV) B19, the causative agent of the childhood disease erythema infectiosum (fifth disease), was identified in 1975. Since a large spectrum of diseases caused by or associated with PV B19 has been recognized (for review [1,2]). In addition to erythema infectiosum, nonspecific febrile illnesses and asymptomatic courses are common. The clinical spectrum of PV B19 includes haematological, neurological and cardiovascular manifestations. Infection during pregnancy may result in hydrops fetalis. Arthralgias and acute arthritis are well known complications of acute PV B19 infection in children and in adults [3]

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