B19 IgG Antibodies Research Articles

Association between Parvovirus B19 and thyroid/celiac autoantibodies among T1DM pediatric patients.

In recent years, an overwhelming association between Pediatric Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM) and autoimmune diseases has been largely reported. The current study was designed to determine a possible association between autoimmune thyroiditis (AIT), celiac disease (CD) - associated autoantibodies, and Parvovirus B19 infection among pediatric T1DM cases in the southwestern region of Saudi Arabia. Blood samples from age groups 1-18 years attending the Diabetic Clinic were collected over a period of 12 months. Serum anti-thyroid peroxidase (TPO), anti-thyroglobulin (TG), anti-tissue transglutaminase immunoglobulin A (TG-IgA), endomysial IgA (EMA-IgA), Parvovirus B19-IgG and IgM antibodies were detected by standard methods. The results showed the prevalence of autoantibodies against thyroid and CD among pediatric T1DM patients to be 44 (25%) and 25 (14.4%), respectively. The prevalence of antibodies against B19 was 70 (40%). Further determination of the prevalence of Parvovirus B19-IgG antibodies and thyroid antibodies among T1DM pediatric patients revealed that there was a significant association between them with a p<0.0491. The prevalence of autoantibodies against the thyroid was higher among the seropositive Parvovirus B19 children with T1DM. A positive association between the prevalence of autoantibodies against thyroid disease and the increase in the duration of diabetes was also noted. Hence, periodic screening of T1DM patients for B19 antibodies and autoantibodies for thyroid is crucial.

Investigation of Human Parvovirus B19 Seroprevalence among Pregnant Women Experiencing Spontaneous Abortion in Kirkuk City, Iraq

Human parvovirus B19 (HPV B19) may cross the placenta from mother to the fetus and cause major problems like non-immune hydrops fetalis, severe fetal anemia, as well as fetal mortality. The aim of the study was to determine the seroprevalence of HPVB19 in pregnant women with spontaneous abortion in kirkuk. From November 2022 to the April 2023, blood samples from 135 aborted women aged 15-45 and 45 women with successful pregnancies as a control group were taken. Using the ELISA Technique, the sera from the samples were tested for HPV B19 -specific IgM and IgG antibodies. The result showed that 13 (9.63%) tested positive for HPV B19 IgM, 28 (20.74%) tested positive for IgG,P&lt;0.01.The highest seroprevalence of HPV B19 IgM antibodies was observed in the 15-25 age group (61.54%). HPV B19 IgG antibodies highest prevalence in the 26-35 age groups (50%) (P&lt;0.05).The study showed that in the 1st trimester, 11 cases (84.62%) tested positive for HPV B19 IgM antibodies, while 20 cases (71.43%) tested positive for IgG antibodies.Among women with three abortions, a higher proportion tested positive for HPV B19 antibodies, with 76.92% testing positive for HPV B19IgM and 82.14% testing positive for IgG, among women residing in rural areas, a higher proportion tested positive, with 76.92% testing positive for HPV B19 IgM antibodies and 75% testing positive for HPV B19 IgG antibodies. In the normal weight category, 69.23% tested positive for HPV B19 IgM antibodies, and 82.14% tested positive for IgG antibodies. Aborted women have a higher prevalence of Parvovirus HPV B19 IgM and IgG than control groups, suggesting a potential association between B19 infection and pregnancy loss.

SEROPREVALENCE OF HUMAN PARVOVIRUS B19 IgM AND IgG AMONG ASYMTOMATIC DONORS IN LAGOS, NIGERIA

Human parvovirus B19 is one of the emerging transfusion transmitted infections. Infection with B19 is widespread. There are limited data concerning Nigerian donors with B19 in spite of implications of such a dearth of data on health policy formation. The aim of the present study was to establish the seroprevalence of parvovirus B19 IgG and IgM antibodies among healthy blood donors in Lagos, Nigeria. Blood samples were collected between October-December 2012 from 170 asymptomatic healthy donors between ages of 20-54 years and screened for IgG and IgM antibodies using recombinant enzyme linked immunorsorbent assay kits (r-biopharm Diagnostics, Darmstadt, Germany). Net prevalence of IgM and IgG antibodies to human parvovirus B19 in this study was 65(37.6%) and 106(61.3%) respectively. A total of 39(22.9%) out of 173 blood donors screened in this research had anti- B19 antibodies (dual positivity) in their sera. Age had no statistically significant effect on anti-B19 seroprevalence among donors screened. The prevalence of parvovirus B19 among healthy donors in our study is high, and may pose adverse transfusion risk among the recipients of blood and blood products who have no detectable antibodies to parvovirus B19. This work therefore recommends routine screening for parvovirus B19 IgM antibody in blood meant for transfusion and accompanying clinical management of positive cases should be made compulsory for all donors.

Parvovirus B19 Seroprevalence in Women with Bad Obstetric History in Kirkuk.

In the Iraqi community, abnormal pregnancy forms a major social and psychological health problem. The underlying etiology of this health phenomenon was varied and included sets of infections and autoimmune diseases. Globally human parvovirus 19 infection is common and the infection attributes to bad obstetric outcomes. The global maternal parvovirus B19 remote infection rate was within a range of 13.2% to 97.9%, while the range of acute infection was between 0.5% to 97.9%. In Arab countries, the IgG seroprevalence was from 53.3% to 74%, while IgM seroprevalence range was 2.2% to 84%. To evaluate the role of ParvovirusB19 as an etiology of bad obstetric outcome in women in Kirkuk, Iraq. Descriptive Case Control Study. Women included in the study were recruited from Kirkuk General Hospital and their age ranged from 14 to 48 years. A total of 663 women were included in the study, of them 237 were not pregnant, while 215 were pregnant. Additionally, the study included 211 women with inevitable abortion. Control group (306 women) women with a history of normal pregnancy included (Pregnant= 149; non-pregnant= 157). Clinical and laboratory investigations were conducted on all patients and control groups to exclude other causes. Medical and obstetric data and demographic characteristics were gathered through interviews according to a previously designed questionnaire. ELISA kits were used to determine Parvovirus B19 IgM and IgG antibodies. The overall parvovirus seroprevalence was 93% and with no significant difference between women with normal (89.5%) and those with abnormal (93.1%) pregnancy outcomes. In addition, parvovirus IgM overall seroprevalence was at56.3%. Furthermore, current parvovirus infection was higher in women with BOH (52.6%) than that in women with normal pregnancy (49.7%) outcomes. Parvovirus IgM seroprevalence was 52.6% in women with BOH and 49.7% in women with normal pregnancy, however, the difference was not statistically significant. In contrast, the acute infection with parvovirus was significantly (X2=11.8, P=0.001) lower in women with normal pregnancy (49.7%) than in those with inevitable abortion (64.9%). While the IgG seroprevalence difference was not significant between the two groups, infection seroprevalence was more frequent in housewives, uneducated women, large families, non-smokers, in rural areas, non-animal exposure areas, women with repeated abortion, congenital anomalies and anaemia. Parvovirus B19 infection may be with bad obstetric outcomes if occurred during pregnancy and OR confirmed a significant association of the infection with parvovirus with smoking, occupation, crowding index, education, animal exposure and the number of repeated abortion.

ROLE OF BACTERIAL COLONIZATION IN TRACHEAL SECRETIONS AMONG INTENSIVE CARE UNIT PATIENTS

Purpose: Parvovirus B19 (B19) is associated with a wide range of diseases in humans, whose severity depends on the immunological and haematological status of the host. Objective: To determine the incidence of B19 DNA and specific IgM and IgG frequency among patients suffering from different haematological malignancies and to determine the viral load using real-time PCR. Materials and Methods: A total of 70 patients were included in the study, in addition to a control group consisting of 20 apparently healthy volunteers. B19 DNA quantitative analysis was performed using real-time PCR while screening for IgM and IgG anti-B19 antibodies was performed using ELISA. Results: B19 DNA was detected in 26 patients (36.14%) and 3 controls (15%) using real-time PCR. Anti-parvovirus B19 IgM antibodies were detected in 9 patients (12.6%) and 2 controls (10%). Anti-parvovirus B19 IgG antibodies were detected in 32 patients (45.71%) and 5 controls (25%). The difference between the patient and control groups was found to be statistically non-significant in all of the three tests (P < 0.05). The difference in B19 incidence among patients receiving multiple transfusions and non-transfused patients was also found to be statistically non-significant (P < 0.05). Conclusion: We found a high incidence of B19 infection among patients diagnosed with different types of haematological malignancies. We recommend that all cases of haematological disorders should be examined for specific antibodies and tested for the presence of B19 DNA in serum by PCR technique.

Serosurvey of parvovirus B19 and cytomegalovirus infections among female university students in Shiraz, Southern Iran

ABSTRACT Infection with parvovirus B19 and cytomegalovirus (CMV) during pregnancy might lead to fetal infection, resulting in congenital abnormalities. This study aimed to investigate the frequency of IgM and IgG antibodies against parvovirus B19 and CMV in female university students in Shiraz, in Fars province, Southern Iran. In this cross-sectional study, 370 female university students were included. Blood samples were collected from each participant and tested for anti-parvovirus B19 and CMV IgG and IgM antibodies, using commercial ELISA kits. The mean age of the participants was 24 (±7)years. Out of 370 participants, 327 (88.4%) and 9 (2.4%) were positive for IgG and IgM antibodies against CMV. Moreover, 211 (57.0%) and 4 (1.1%) of the participants were respectively positive for IgG and IgM antibodies against parvovirus B19. The difference in CMV or parvovirus B19 seropositivity between different age groups was not statistically significant (P>0.05). The findings of our study showed that more than 50% of the female university students are seropositive to CMV and parvovirus B19 infections. It highlights the importance of health education and also the laboratory screening of females at childbearing age to reduce the risk of congenital infections resulting from these viral infections.

Screening for Human Parvovirus B19 Infection in Egyptian Family Replacement Blood Donors.

Up till now, screening for human parvovirus B19 is not routine in national Egyptian blood bank strategy. Blood samples were collected from 500 healthy blood donors within the age range from 18 to 45years old attending the blood bank of Suez Canal University Hospital, Ismailia, Egypt. Sera were separated and stored at - 20°C. Serum samples were screened for anti-human parvovirus B19 IgM and IgG antibodies and B19 genome using ELISA and real-time PCR respectively. Frequency of B19 IgM and B19 IgG antibodies was 6.20%, and 80.20% respectively, and the prevalence of B19 genome was 3.00%. There is a high frequency of human parvovirus B19 among Egyptian blood donors; therefore, serological screening for B19 is warranted.

Prevalence and Quantity of Parvovirus B19 DNA Among Blood Donors from a Regional Blood Center in Turkey

ObjectiveParvovirus B19 causes a range of diseases and morbidity in humans and is transmissible by transfusion of blood, blood components and plasma derivatives. The objective of the study was to investigate the prevalence and quantity of B19 DNA among blood donors. Method: Totally 1053 samples were collected from March to July 2016 at a blood bank for detection of Parvovirus B19 DNA and serological status of blood donors. Testing of the presence of viral DNA was performed by a quantitative real-time PCR with a 101 copies/ml detection limit. All DNA positive and randomly selected 267 samples were tested for the presence of anti-B19 IgM and IgG by ELISA. ResultsAge distribution of donors was between 18-64; mean age was 27 and median was 23. Among the 1053 samples, 5 (0.47%) had PB19 DNA. All PB19 DNA positive donations had both B19 IgM and IgG antibodies. The DNA level for positive donations were between 0.9 × 102 to 3.1 × 104 copies/ml. IgG and IgM were present in 59.9% (160/267) and 0,74% (2/267) respectively among the healthy donors without PB19 DNA. ConclusionDetected DNA concentration was less than 105 copies/ml. The presence of IgM in low level PB19 DNA positive donors may indicate that there might be a risk in transmission of PB19 to particularly immunosuppressed recipients. The clinical follow-up of blood donation with low level of PB19DNA should be considered to answer the questions about blood safety.

Detection of Parvovirus B19 Infection in Thalasemic Patients in Tikrit City, Serological Study

Background:-ParvovirusB19, a member of the genus Erythrovirus virus of the Parvoviridae family, causes several clinical diseases including infectious erythematosus, joints, fetalis hydrops or chronic hemolytic anemia like thalassemia syndrome, transient aplastic crises. B19 can be transmitted through respiratory secretions, blood products, and blood transfusions.Objective: To identify the seroprevalence of Human Parvovirus B19 virus in Patients with thalassemia major in Tikrit city.Material and method:- This lessons is a cross-sectional case control study that included 130 Patients infection with beta thalassemia attendance the Tikrit Military Hospital Department of Blood Diseases Unit as of 1/7 /2018 to 1/12/2018 major age ranging from 1-60 years and 50 healthy patients as control grouping. Blood sample were obtain for determination of specific antibodies IgG and IgM for HPV-B19 by enzyme linked immunoassay (ELISA).Results:- HPV B19 IgM antibodies were detected in 15 of 130 thalassemic patient(11.5%),and not detected in any patient of control group, P value ( 0.02).While anti-HPV B19 IgG antibodies were detected in 50 of 130 of thalassemic patient (38.5 %)and 2(4%) of 50 in control group(5%), P value(0.003).. the range age of the thalassemia patient was (2 –58 years) and B19 infection was highest in the 20-to-40 year range. And the result show the highest percentage to infected to virus during the blood transfusions once a month per month was 30(100%) anti-B19IgG and 8(26.7%) anti-B19IgM.Conclusion:-In this study, acute B19 infections were detect in patients with beta thalassemia major. showing of such high-risk groups can significantly reduce the incidence and prevalence of B19 infection; thus, screening is required for epidemiologic surveillance and disease-prevention measures.

Investigation of Parvovirus B19 IgG and IgM antibodies with ELISA, distribution with regard to age groups and comparison with literature

Objective: Human parvovirus is an un-enveloped, linear, single bundle DNA virus 18-26 nm in diameter which is common worldwide and causes an asymptomatic infection. The most common clinical manifestation is erythema infectiosum, it may also lead to aplastic crisis, arthropathy, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia and fetal infections. In this study, we aimed to determine parvovirus B19 sero-positivity rates, distribution according to age and contribute to epidemiologic data in our country. Patients and Methods: Results of pregnant women who were admitted to Kanuni Suleiman Hospital between January 2015 and January 2017, examined for parvovirus B19 infection and whose parvovirus B19 IgG/IgM antibodies were examined with ELISA method were recorded from patient files. Parvovirus B19 IgM and parvovirus B19 IgG test results were retrospectively analyzed. parvovirus B19 IgM and parvovirus B19 IgG were examined with ELISA method in accordance with recommendations of the manufacturer. Results: A total of 156 pregnant women whose parvovirus B19 IgG/IgM antibodies had been analyzed were included in the study. While parvovirus B19 IgG was positive in 64.7% of the patients, parvovirus B19 IgM alone positivity was not detected in any women. parvovirus B19 IgG and IgM were positive in 3 women. parvovirus B19 IgG positivity was greatest above 40 years and minimum in 18-25 age group. Conclusion: In conclusion, parvovirus B19 IgG positivity was found similar with that in other countries. We consider that studies conducted with different groups and in different regions would contribute to epidemiologic data.

The magnitude and correlates of Parvovirus B19 infection among pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in Mwanza, Tanzania

BackgroundHuman parvovirus B19 (B19) infection has been associated with congenital infection which may result into a number of the adverse pregnancy outcomes. The epidemiology and the magnitude of B19 infections among pregnant women have been poorly studied in developing countries. This study was done to establish preliminary information about the magnitude of B19 among pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in the city of Mwanza, Tanzania.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted between December 2014 and June 2015 among 258 pregnant women attending two antenatal clinics representing rural and urban areas in the city of Mwanza. Socio-demographic data were collected using structured data collection tool. Specific B19 IgM and IgG antibodies were determined using indirect enzyme linked immunosorbent assay kits (DRG Instruments GmbH, Germany). Data were analyzed using STATA version 11 software.ResultsThe median age of study participants was 21 IQR (19–25) years. Of 253 pregnant women; 116(44.96%), 109(42.25%) and 33(12.79%) were in the first, second and third trimester respectively. The majority 168(66.4%) of women were from urban areas. Of 253 pregnant women, the overall prevalence of IgM was 83(32.8%) while that of IgG was 142(55.0%) among 258 women tested. A total of 50(19.4%) women were positive for both IgG and IgM indicating true IgM positive. History of baby with low birth weight (OR: 10, 95% CI: 1.82–58.05, P = 0.01) was independent predictor of B19 IgG seropositivity and being at the third trimester was protective (OR: 0.38, 95% CI: 0.16–0.92, P = 0.03). The IgG titers were found to decrease significantly as gestational age increases (Spearman’s rho = −0.2939, p = 0.0004)ConclusionMore than a half of pregnant women in Mwanza city are B19 IgG sero-positive with about one third of these being B19 IgM seropositive. Further studies to determine the impact of B19 infections among pregnant women and their newborns are recommended in developing countries.

The effects of Parvovirus B19 infection on pregnant women and fetus

Background: Human parvovirus B19 infection during pregnancy may cause fetal loss. The aim of this study was to detect the incidence of B19 infection in cases of nonimmune hydrops fetalis (NIHF), spontaneous abortion, intrauterine fetal death (IUFD) and in healthy pregnant women. Material and Methods: Serum samples of pregnant women with NIHF (9), spontaneous abortion (27), IUFD (5) and healthy pregnant women (47) were tested by nested PCR to detect B19 DNA and by ELISA test for B19 specific IgM and IgG antibodies. In other case series of the study, paraffin-embedded fetal and placental tissue samples from 33 NIHF cases and 19 spontaneous abortion cases and placental tissues from 40 normal pregnant women at term were analyzed for B19 DNA by nested PCR. Results: B19 infection was diagnosed by PCR and ELISA tests using serum samples in 4 (44%) of 9 NIHF cases and 9 (33%) of 27 spontaneous abortion cases and in 1 (20%) of 5 IUFD cases. In addition, B19 IgG prevalence was found to be 51% (24/47) in the control group. In other case series, the presence of B19 DNA in fetal and placental tissue samples was found in 14 (42.4%) of 33 NIHF cases and 6 (31.5%) of 19 spontaneous abortion cases, while in none of 40 placental tissues samples from the control group. Conclusion: Our findings show that the incidence of parvovirus B19 infection in NIHF and spontaneous abortion cases is relatively high. Nested PCR and ELISA tests should be used together for the early diagnosis of B19 infection in pregnant women.

Molecular and Serological Assessment of Chronic Parvovirus B19 among Chronic Hemolytic Anemia Children

Background: Parvovirus B19 infections can suppress erythropoiesis and induce acute erythroblastopenia which is often referred to as transient aplastic crisis with hematological disorders especially chronic hemolytic anemia. Objectives: to detect the presence of parvovirus B19 (B19) DNA together with its IgG antibodies in the sera of children with chronic hemolytic anemia and in apparently healthy children in Menoufia University Hospitals and to detect the prevalence of chronic parvovirus B19 infection through detection of PCR among positive anti-parvo virus B19 IgG in different types of anemia. Methodology: The study was conducted on 60 children with chronic hemolytic anemia (40 children with chronic hemolytic anemia without a history of aplastic crisis and 20 children with chronic hemolytic anemia with a history of aplastic crisis) and 20 age and sex-matched apparently healthy children. All patients were subjected to full history taking, clinical examination and laboratory investigations. The presence of B19 IgG levels were measured by using anti-parvovirus B19 ELISA kits (EUROIMMUN), as well as detection of its DNA by nested-polymerase chain reaction technique. Results: Anti-parvovirus B19 IgG antibodies were detected in 62.5% and 100% of patients in group I and group II respectively. Only 20% in control group had a detectable level of anti-parvovirus B19 IgG. There were significant positive correlations between age of patients, frequency of transfusion, and transfusion index in both groups and the level of anti-parvovirus B19 IgG. Seven B19 IgG seropositive cases (14.3%) had B19 DNA. Although78% of children with f thalassemia major had a detectable level of anti- parvovirus B19 virus IgG antibodies, only 15.4% of them had B19 DNA. Children with sickle cell anemia were presented only in group II with aplastic crisis by percentage of 25%, where the prevalence of anti-B19 IgG antibodies among them was 100% but only one child had both anti-B19 IgG antibodies and B 19 DNA (20%).Patients who had anti- parvo virus B19 IgG and those who had both B19 DNA anti-parvo virus B19 IgG cases had a higher transfusion index compared to negative cases. Conclusion: All children with hematological disorders must be screened for B19. Direct detection of DNA by PCR needs to be performed along with serology in these children. Genotyping and quantification of the virus can be more useful for diagnosis and staging of infection.

Serological and Molecular Biological Studies of Parvovirus B19, Coxsackie B Viruses, and Adenoviruses as Potential Cardiotropic Viruses in Bulgaria

Inflammatory diseases of the heart (myocarditis, pericarditis) are commonly caused by viruses. Among the human cardiotropic viruses, parvovirus B19, Coxsackie B viruses, and adenoviruses play a leading role. The aim of the present study was to determine the presumptive causative role of parvovirus B19, Coxsackie B viruses, and adenoviruses in the development of myocarditis, pericarditis and dilated cardiomyopathy by demonstrating the presence of specific antiviral antibodies or viral DNA in patients' serum samples. We tested serum samples collected between 2010 and 2014 from 235 patients with myocarditis (n=108), pericarditis (n=79), myopericarditis (n=19), dilated cardiomyopathy (n=7), and fever of unknown origin accompanied by cardiac complaints (n=22). The mean age of patients with the standard deviation was 33 ± 18 years. Serological and molecular methods (ELISA for specific IgM/IgG antibodies to parvovirus B19 and IgM antibodies to Coxsackie B viruses and adenoviruses, and PCR for detection of parvovirus B19 in serum samples, respectively) were used in the study. Of all tested 235 serum samples, in 60 (25.5%) positive results for at least one of the three tested viruses were detected. Forty out of these 235 serum samples (17%) were Coxsackie B virus IgM positive. They were found in 17% (18/108) of the patients with myocarditis, in 15% (12/79) of those with pericarditis, in 16% (3/19) of those with myopericarditis and in 32% (7/22) in those with fever of unknown origin. The 63 Coxsackie B virus IgM negative patient's serum samples were tested by ELISA for presence of adenovirus IgM antibodies. Such were found in 4 patients with pericarditis and in 2 patients with fever of unknown origin. Every IgM negative sample (n=189) for Coxsackie B and adenovirus was further tested by ELISA for parvovirus B19 IgM/IgG antibodies. B19-IgM antibodies were detected in 14 patients (7.4%). The percentages for B19-IgM antibodies was 8% (7/90), 5% (3/63) and 31% (4/13) in the patients affected with myocarditis, pericarditis, and fever of unknown origin, respectively. Protective B19-IgG antibodies were found in 108 (57%) of the samples. A B19-PCR signal was detected in all the patients who were B19-IgM positive, and in only 1 patient with positive B19-IgG result, the latter presenting with dilated cardiomyopathy. The present study shows the involvement of Coxsackie B, parvovirus B19 and adenoviruses in the development of inflammatory diseases of the heart (myocarditis and pericarditis). It is the first ever study in the country that simultaneously analyzes the prevalence of the three major human cardiotropic viruses.

Seroprevalence of parvovirus B19 infection in patients with beta thalassemia major in Fayoum University Hospital

Background and objectivesPatients with beta thalassemia major are at higher risk of acquiring reticulocytopenia, and cessation of erythropoiesis after exposure to parvovirus B19. The aim of the study was to detect the seroprevalence of parvovirus B19 infection in children with transfusion dependent beta-thalassemia major through the detection of its specific IgM and IgG in their sera by Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) in the Pediatric Department of Fayoum University Hospital. Materials and methodsA cross sectional descriptive study was carried out from July to September 2013, in the Pediatric Department of Fayoum University Hospital in Egypt. A total of fifty-five children with beta-thalassemia major aged from 2 to 16years were enrolled in the study. All patients were subjected to history taking, examination and investigations including; Complete blood count, serum creatinine, blood urea, hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), anti hepatitis C virus antibody (anti HCV), reticulocytic count, anti B19 IgM and IgG. ResultsAnti-B19 IgM antibodies (recent infection) were detected in 14.5% (8 patients), while anti B19 IgG antibodies (prior infection) were detected in 18.2% (10 patients) of transfusion dependent thalassemic patients. There was a significant statistical correlation between the history of other siblings with beta thalassemia major, the hepatitis C virus and hepatitis B virus infection regarding absent, prior and recent infection. ConclusionParvovirus B19 infection is detected in high rates among children with beta thalassemia major. Measures to avoid iatrogenic and nosocomial transmission have to be implemented including screening of donated blood for B19 especially blood given to patients with hematological disorders. Also data from this study support the need for introduction of an approved B19 vaccine that primarily protects children with thalassemia major against that infection.

Frequency and Genotype of Human Parvovirus B19 among Iranian Hemodialysis and Peritoneal Dialysis Patients

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the frequency and genotype of human parvovirus B19 and its relation with anemia among Iranian patients under dialysis. Methods: Fifty hemodialysis (HD) and 33 peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients were enrolled. B19 IgG and IgM antibodies were assessed by ELISA, and the presence of B19 DNA was evaluated by nested PCR. PCR products were sequenced directly and phylogenetic analysis was performed. Results: In the HD group, the prevalence of B19 antibodies was 54% for IgG and 4% for IgM. B19 DNA was detected in 10% of the cases, and 10% showed B19 IgG and viremia simultaneously. In the PD group, the prevalence of B19 IgG and IgM was 57.6 and 0% respectively, whereas B19 DNA was found in 12.1% of the group. A total of 9.1% showed B19 IgG and viremia concurrently. There was no significant difference regarding anemia and B19 infection in either group. All B19 isolates were clustered in genotype 1A. Conclusion: Our findings indicate that B19 infection plays no role in leading chronic anemia in dialysis patients. However, persistent B19 viremia and the circulation of the same strains in dialysis patients may indicate a potential risk for the contamination of dialysis equipment and nosocomial spread of B19 infection within dialysis units.

Serological parvovirus B19 SCREENING of patients with rheumatoid arthritis and Ankylosing spondylitis

Parvovirus B19 is single-stranded DNA virus and can cause general flu-like symptoms or asymptomatic infection with rash and, more commonly in adults, arthritis, especially in the fingers and hands but also in the wrists and ankles. The present study aimed to investigate the involvement of parvovirus B19 in the development of rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis by demonstrating the presence of specific antiviral antibodies in patient serum samples. Serological methods (indirect ELISA test and Immunoblot test) to demonstrate the specific parvovirus B19 IgM/IgG antibodies were used. A total 36 serum samples, collected in 2015 from patients with rheumatoid arthritis (n=24) and ankylosing spondylitis (n=12) were tested. The average age of patients studied was 50 ± 13.2 years. Positive results for B19-IgM antibodies which are marker for acute B19 infection in 2/36 (5.55%) serum samples were detected. These two sera were from patients with diagnosis rheumatoid arthritis. Protective B19-IgG antibodies evidence of past infection in 17/36 (47.22%) patients were found. Thirteen of them were diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis and four with ankylosing spondylitis. Two of the tested serum samples from patients with rheumatoid arthritis were positive for both investigated B19 markers. Rheumatoid diseases are one of the oldest problems of mankind, which is widespread today. This study is the basis for future more detailed tests aimed enrichment of diagnostic range on these diseases and inclusion of parvovirus B19 assays.

The seroprevalence of parvovirus B19 among kidney transplant recipients: A single-center study

Parvovirus B19 is a DNA virus that is responsible for causing several diseases in humans. Parvovirus B19-induced persistent anemia is one of its manifestations that is relatively common in transplant recipients. This study was aimed to investigate the seroprevalence of parvovirus B19 among kidney transplant recipients. Ninety-one transplant recipients were selected randomly and were investigated for several variables including age, gender, educational status, history of hemodialysis (HD), history of blood transfusion and immunosuppressive therapy. Two milliliters of blood samples were collected via venipuncture and evaluated for anti-Parvovirus B19 IgG antibody using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. All recipients were anemic, with 72.5% of them suffering from severe anemia (Hb ≤ 11 in men and ≤ 10 in women). Sixty-three patients (69.2%) were seropositive for Parvovirus B19. There was no significant difference in age, sex, educational status, history of blood transfusion, history of HD and immunosuppressive therapy between seropositive and seronegative groups. The seroprevalence of Parvovirus B19 was relatively high in kidney transplant recipients in Urmia, Iran. Our study failed to find a correlation between the severity of anemia and the seropositivity of Parvovirus B19.

Seroprevalence of parvovirus B19 IgG and IgM antibodies among pregnant women in Oyo State, Nigeria

Human parvovirus B19 causes a wide range of complications in pregnant women including abortion, severe fetal anemia, non-immune hydrops fetalis, and even intrauterine fetal death. However, there is a dearth of information on the prevalence of the virus among pregnant women in southwestern Nigeria. Blood samples were collected from 231 pregnant women and screened for antibodies to human parvovirus B19 IgM and IgG using an enzyme immunosorbent assay kits. Of the 231 women, 31 were in their first trimester, 146 were in their second trimester, and 54 were in their third trimester. Forty-five (20%) were positive for parvovirus B19 IgG antibodies, 10 (4%) were positive for parvovirus B19 IgM antibodies, and 176 (76%) had no detectable parvovirus B19 antibodies. Twenty-eight (19%) of the 146 pregnant women in their second trimester were positive for parvovirus B19 IgG antibody while three (2%) of the 146 were positive for parvovirus B19 IgM antibody. It is evident that there is a high prevalence of human parvovirus B19 among pregnant women in south-western Nigeria. This suggests that there is an active transmission of the virus in the community; it is therefore necessary to conduct more studies on the virus in pregnant women in Nigeria to ascertain its effect on the fetus.

Seroprevalence of parvovirus B19 and its clinical effect among anaemic SCA patients in Northeastern Nigeria

Sickle cell anaemia (SCA) is a globally widespread genetic disorder affecting 5% of the world’s over 6 billion people. Parvovirus infection and the resulting aplastic crisis is a recognised complication in individuals with SCA. Aplastic crisis increases the need for blood transfusion and its attendant risk of Transfusion Transmissible Infection (TTI). Hence there is a vicious cycle in which Parvovirus B19 causes aplastic crisis which in turn causes increased transfusion need; and transfusion increases risk of transfusion transmissible infection in which parvovirus B19 is included in certain parts of the world. Sickle cell anaemia is associated with foetal death and infection with parvovirus B19 increases the risk to early mortality. The objective of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of parvovirus B19 among SCA and compare with that of controls in the study area. Furthermore clinical and laboratory profile of subjects were analysed to identify possible correlation with parvovirus B19 seropositivity and explore the possibility of involvement of white cell and platelets. A total of 90 subjects comprising 45 consecutive SCA case subjects and 45 age- and sex- matched non SCA controls were studied in a cross sectional comparative study. Ten millilitres of blood was drawn from the antecubital fossa of each subject after obtaining informed consent. The 10mls of blood was divided into two aliquots, 4.5 mls was added into EDTA anticoagulated bottle and was used for basic complete blood count (CBC), while the remaining 5mls was added into a plain specimen container allowed to clot and serum obtained to test for anti- parvovirus B19 IgG and IgM using an immunochromatography based technique specifically BIOCARD TM Parvo B19 diagnostic test kit. There was male preponderance in the study. The SCA subjects comprised 26 males and 19 females (male to female ratio = 1.4:1), while the non- SCA controls comprised 25 males and 20 females (male to female ratio 1.3:1).. The analysis of anti- parvovirus B19 IgG antibody revealed a prevalence of 23.3% among SCA cases with 18.9% among controls. The haematological profile is not affected by IgG seropositivity. However pregnancy outcome revealed that the total number of stillbirths is 12 among IgG seropositive SCA cases which is higher than the 6 encountered in IgG seronegative SCA subjects; the difference is statistically significant (p=0.04).