Parvovirus B19 Research Articles

Parvovirus B19 rebound outbreak 2024 and implications for blood- and plasma-product safety.

Since the beginning of 2024, several European countries reported unusually high numbers of Human parvovirus B19 (B19V) infections. An increase in B19V incidence rate might have implications for blood products for direct transfusion, however, large data sets for analysis of this outbreak are missing. B19V nucleic acid testing (NAT) of plasma donations collected between June 2018 and May 2024 from mainly Central European countries (n = 9.6 million) and the United States (n = 70.7 million) was done to the individual donation level. In Central Europe, there was a marked increase in B19V incidence from November 2023 onwards, which peaked in April 2024 with a 33-fold higher than average B19V incidence versus before the COVID-19 pandemic. In the United States, a similar trend was seen, with a yet still 6-fold lower increase than in Europe at the same time. The largest increase in B19V positivity was seen in the youngest plasma donor cohort. A B19V infection gap during the COVID-19 pandemic is likely the basis for the rebound outbreak in 2023/2024, particularly in Europe. B19V NAT of millions of plasma donations provides for large scale numbers to solidify available epidemiology insight, and to support adequate risk assessments. Based on the situation it may be prudent to consider B19V NAT for blood components specifically directed towards transfusion to higher risk recipients, or alternatively, preselecting B19V seropositive individuals or advanced age donors at higher likelihood of seropositivity and thus lower risk of virus transmission.

Viral Infections in Pediatric Kidney Transplant Recipients: Effects on Graft Function, Risk Factors, and Patient Outcomes.

Viral infections are the leading cause of posttransplant morbidity and mortality. We aimed to determine the effect on graft function, the risk factors, the frequency, and types of viral infections and to evaluate the effect of viral infections on kidney and patient outcomes in pediatric kidney transplant patients. Records of children undergoing kidney transplant in our center during the period February 1, 2010, to December 31, 2023, were retrospectively evaluated. Demographic and laboratory data, kidney failure etiologies, donor types, immunosuppression treatments, acute rejection episodes, accompanying viral infections, glomerular filtration rate, and graft loss rate were analyzed. Seventy-nine pediatric kidney transplant recipients were included in the study. The number of patients who experienced viral infections was 18 (23%). In total, 25 infection episodes were identified, with 6 (24%) attributed to cytomegalovirus infection, 8 (32%) to BK virus infection, 6 (24%) to varicella zoster virus infection (4 cases of shingles, 2 cases of chickenpox), 4 (16%) to parvovirus B19 infection, and 2 (8%) to COVID-19. Of 25 infection episodes, rejection episodes were observed in 11 cases (44%), and infections manifested after rejection in 8 cases (32%). Viral infections occurred an average of 15 months after rejection episodes. For 15 (60%) of the 25 infection episodes, the glomerular filtration rate was observed to be <60 mL/min/1.73 m2 during viral infection. Two patients succumbed to viral infections; 1 was due to COVID-19, and 1 was due to coinfection with parvovirus B19 and cytomegalovirus. Our data emphasized the significant effect of viral infections on pediatric kidney transplant recipients. Early diagnosis and treatment in kidney transplant recipients are important, and clinicians should be alert.

An Atypical Presentation of Parvovirus B19 Arthritis.

It is well established that acute parvovirus B19 (B19V) infection in adults is associated with peripheral inflammatory arthritis.1 Joint involvement is usually symmetric and acute, most commonly involving the knees, feet, wrists, and small joints of the hands.2.

A Patient with Severe Post-transplant Anemia Due to Parvovirus B19 Infection Treated with Hypoxia-Inducible Factor-Prolyl Hydroxylase Inhibitor (HIF-PHI): Desidustat

A Patient with Severe Post-transplant Anemia Due to Parvovirus B19 Infection Treated with Hypoxia-Inducible Factor-Prolyl Hydroxylase Inhibitor (HIF-PHI): Desidustat

Erythema nodosum manifestation of Parvovirus B19-associated reactive arthritis.

Parvovirus B19 virus-mediated viral inflammation and immune-complex deposition generate mainly short-term manifestations in the affected individuals. The objective of this study was to determine Parvovirus B19 infection in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. The study employed 50 patients diagnosed with RA and 30 healthy individuals. Blood samples were collected from both groups. The blood samples were screened for Parvovirus B19 infection using polymerase chain reaction to detect B19 DNA and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to detect anti-B19 IgM and IgG. 17 (34%) of 50 patients tested positive for parvovirus B19 DNA. In contrast, the mortality rate in the control group was significantly lower (6.7%; p = 0.005). Anti-B19 IgG antibody levels differed significantly with patients and control (p = 0.007), whereas anti-B19 IgM Ab levels did not (p = 0.6). There was a significant correlation between viremia B19 and all measured parameters. Parvovirus-affected patients had significantly higher CRP and ESR, elevated DAS28 scores, and more joint pain compared to parvovirus (-) patients. Anti-CCP and RF values were significantly high in parvovirus (+) patients. Joint erosion was also prevalent in patients who tested positive for parvovirus. The findings of this study suggest that infection with parvovirus in patients with RA, and a possible role of this viral infection in the pathogenesis of RA may contribute to the pathogenesis of RA.

Serological Detection of Human Parvovirus B19 in Thalassemia Patients of Wasit Province

Human ParvovirusB19 is nonenvelope single-strand DNA virussfrom a family of Parvoviridae that cause infections in human, it is related strongly to thalassemia. This case control (cross sectional) aged between (5-40) study was carried out in Al-Kut teaching hospital in Al-Iraq. The populations of our study included 120 patients samples with thalassemia infected by Human Parvovirus B19 in blood transfusion patients 64 male and 56 female and ELISA test was done. The positive cases was recorded according to enzyme linked immunosorbent assay test(ELISA) as apercentage of cases related to the main characterstics of patients, current study data has been indicated as following: in a total of 120 patients sample with thalassemia were included in this study, ELISA positive cases were 13 (10.8%), 6 (5%), 2 (1.7%) and 0 (0%) in the age groups (5-15), (16-25), (26-35) and (36-45) respectively. Male was more prevalent (14 (11.7%), than female (7 (5.8%), So as to records of major type in comparision to intermediate 15 (12.5%) and 6 (5%).

Molecular Detection of Human parvovirus B19 in Patients with Thalassemia in Wasit Province, Iraq

Background: Human B19 (PVB19) isssmall, non-envelope single strand DNA viruses from family of "Parvoviridae" it cause infections in human. In thalassemia are a heterogeneous grouping of genetic disorders that result from a decreased synthesis of alpha or beta chains of hemoglobin (Hb). Numerous factors contribute to functional abnormality found in βeta thalassemia patient like decrease red cells life span, rapidsiron turnover, and tissue deposition of excess iron B19 targets the erythroid progenitors in the bone marrow by binding to the glycosphingolipid. Materials and Methods: This case cross sectional study and the patients aged between (5-40) years , study has been carried outsin Al-Kut teaching hospitals in Al-Iraq-Wasit in a period between September 2023 and March 2024. This study followed the cross-sectional design. The populations of our study included 120 patients’ samples with thalassemia infected by Human Parvovirus B19 in blood transfusion patients 64 male and 56 female. Nested-PCR used to detect of B19V by using primers. PCR reaction was done by using special sets of primers mentioned previously and special components and specific program and procedure according to components of PCR reaction. Result: Human parvovirus 19 Positive case percentage using polymerase chain reaction indicated that the positive cases was reported according to polymerase chain reaction (PCR) as a percentage of case related to the main characteristic of patients, current study data has been indicated as following: in total of 120 patient sample with thalassemia has been included in this study, PCR positive case was 17 (14.2%), 6 (5%), 2 (1.7%) and 0 (0%) in the age groups (5-15), (16-25), (26-35) and (36-45) respectively. Male was more prevalent 17 (14.2%), than female 8 (6.7%), So as to records of major type in comparision to intermediate 19 (15.8%) and 6 (5%). All positive cases were 25 cases. Conclusion: Current data showed prevalence of Human parvovirus 19 in Iraqi patients. This prevalence should be alarming public health.

Modern aspects of parvovirus B19 infection in children

Modern aspects of parvovirus B19 infection in children

Persistent parvovirus B19 infection in a heavily pretreated lymphoma patient receiving mosunetuzumab

Persistent parvovirus B19 infection in a heavily pretreated lymphoma patient receiving mosunetuzumab

The Aplastic Crisis in HbSS: Observations from the Jamaican Birth Cohort

In order to document the prevalence, clinical features, hematology and outcome of the aplastic crisis in homozygous sickle cell disease (HbSS), a cohort study has been conducted from birth. Newborn screening of 100 000 deliveries at the main government maternity hospital, Kingston, Jamaica between 1973 and 1981 detected 311 cases of HbSS who have been followed at the Medical Research Council Laboratories at the University of the West Indies, Kingston, Jamaica. Clinically defined aplastic crises occurred in 118 (38%) patients at a median age of 7.5 years (range 0.5–23.0 years). All but one event seroconverted to parvovirus B19, the exception being a 9.3 year male with classic aplasia but subsequent IgG did not exceed 3 IU. Defined by zero reticulocyte counts, 94 patients presented with a median hemoglobin of 3.7 g/dL (range 18–87 g/L) representing a median fall from steady state levels of 3.8 g/dL. Clear epidemic peaks occurred at 1979–1980, 1984–1986, and 1990–1993 and the admission rate and use of blood cultures fell with each epidemic, reflecting increased familiarity with the complication. Symptoms were usually nonspecific and all but 7 were transfused. No patient had a recurrence and two died from aplasia (one with remote rural residence and the other following an incorrect diagnosis). Of those seroconverting to parvovirus B19, 68% manifested aplasia and 24% had no hematologic change. Correctly diagnosed and managed, the aplastic crisis is essentially benign. (230 words)

Unveiling viral pathogens in acute respiratory disease: Insights from viral metagenomics in patients from the State of Alagoas, Brazil.

Respiratory illness affects individuals across all age demographics on a global scale, often precipitated by viral infections. The symptomatic manifestations of these diseases bear clinical resemblance, complicating the accurate determination of their etiological origins. Furthermore, the diagnostic panels for respiratory pathogens used within local medical practices, may not encompass the full spectrum of viral agents responsible for such ailments. Consequently, a significant number of clinically important viral pathogens may remain undetected. In the light of this, we conducted a metagenomic examination of 66 nasopharyngeal swab specimens, obtained from patients presenting with acute respiratory conditions yet tested negative by the standard diagnostic panels available locally. These specimens were obtained from the Public Health Laboratory, Maceio, State of Alagoas. Our findings indicate a predominant diagnostic escape of rhinoviruses and notably enterovirus D68. Moreover, our study identified a substantial quantity of sequence reads attributed to human respirovirus 3 (human parainfluenza 3) along with various herpresviruses including human herpesvirus-1, Epstein-Barr virus (Human herpesvirus-4), Human herpesviruses 6 and 7 and human parvovirus B19 (B19V). Notably, the metagenomic analysis uncovered a widespread presence of the emerging human vientovirus FB in most of sample pools, though its clinical importance remains to be elucidated. The obtained results in this study underscore the invaluable role of viral metagenomics in the identification of underrecognized viruses bearing clinical relevance. Furthermore, it offers insights into the dissemination of these pathogens within the studied area, thereby informing public health strategies aimed at enhancing diagnostic accuracy and improving patient care.

Parvovirus B19 Infection Is Associated with the Formation of Neutrophil Extracellular Traps and Thrombosis: A Possible Linkage of the VP1 Unique Region.

Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) formation, namely NETosis, is implicated in antiphospholipid syndrome (APS)-related thrombosis in various autoimmune disorders such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and APS. Human parvovirus B19 (B19V) infection is closely associated with SLE and APS and causes various clinical manifestations such as blood disorders, joint pain, fever, pregnancy complications, and thrombosis. Additionally, B19V may trigger the production of autoantibodies, including those against nuclear and phospholipid components. Thus, exploring the connection between B19V, NETosis, and thrombosis is highly relevant. An in vitro NETosis model using differentiated HL-60 neutrophil-like cells (dHL-60) was employed to investigate the effect of B19V-VP1u IgG on NETs formation. A venous stenosis mouse model was used to test how B19V-VP1u IgG-mediated NETs affect thrombosis in vivo. The NETosis was observed in the dHL-60 cells treated with rabbit anti-B19V-VP1u IgG and was inhibited in the presence of either 8-Br-cAMP or CGS216800 but not GSK484. Significantly elevated reactive oxygen species (ROS), myeloperoxidase (MPO), and citrullinated histone (Cit-H3) levels were detected in the dHL60 treated with phorbol myristate acetate (PMA), human aPLs IgG and rabbit anti-B19V-VP1u IgG, respectively. Accordingly, a significantly larger thrombus was observed in a venous stenosis-induced thrombosis mouse model treated with PMA, human aPLs IgG, rabbit anti-B19V-VP1u IgG, and human anti-B19V-VP1u IgG, respectively, along with significantly increased amounts of Cit-H3-, MPO- and CRAMP-positive infiltrated neutrophils in the thrombin sections. This research highlights that anti-B19V-VP1u antibodies may enhance the formation of NETosis and thrombosis and implies that managing and treating B19V infection could lower the risk of thrombosis.

High risk of misclassification of acute Parvovirus B19 infection into a systemic rheumatic disease.

Parvovirus B19 most frequently causes epidemics of erythema infectiosum in children but also affects adults often leading to rheumatologic manifestations. While the serum profile allows the diagnosis, manifestations may mimic autoimmune conditions. The aim was to evaluate the proportion of patients with acute Parvovirus B19 infection fulfilling classification criteria for rheumatic diseases (RA and SLE). We evaluated the clinical and serological features of 54 patients diagnosed with acute Parvovirus B19 infection seeking rheumatological attention between March and June 2024. The majority of patients were females (78%), with a mean (s.d.) age of 45 (13) years and 54% could not recall any known exposure. Fifty-one/54 (94%) had arthralgia, 27 (50%) arthritis (oligoarthritis in 67% of them), 24 (44%) fever, 19 (35%) skin rash and 7 (13%) purpura. Symptoms resolution generally occurred within 6 weeks. Complement levels were low in 14/33 (42%) tested patients, while the presence of serum ANA, anti-dsDNA, anti-phospholipids and rheumatoid factor was detected in 21/38 (55%), 10/26 (38%), 6/12 (50%) and 5/37 (13%) patients, respectively. Classification criteria for SLE were fulfilled in 93% of ANA-positive patients and RA criteria in 38% of patients with arthritis. Parvovirus B19 infection manifestations may vary and nearly all patients with positive serum ANA fulfil the classification criteria for SLE. The risk of misclassification in patients with viral infection should not be overlooked.

Clinical Presentations of Parvovirus B19: A Case Series.

Parvovirus B19 (PVB19) is a small, nonenveloped, single-stranded DNA virus commonly causing asymptomatic infections or mild, flu-like symptoms. In children, PVB19 can lead to various clinical conditions, including erythema infectiosum, arthropathy, transient aplastic crisis and papular-purpuric eruptions, among others. We present 3 pediatric cases treated at Luigi Sacco University Hospital in Milan, Italy, in March 2024, each demonstrating distinct manifestations of PVB19 infection. Case 1 involved a 7-year-old girl with a maculopapular rash and panniculitis-like symptoms. Case 2 described an 8-year-old boy with a maculopapular rash, vasculitis component and mild thrombocytopenia. Case 3 focused on a 7-year-old girl with petechial and purpuric eruptions and a mild decrease in platelets. Serological tests confirmed PVB19 infection in all cases. The discussed cases highlight the heterogeneous clinical spectrum of PVB19 infection and emphasize its potential to cause thrombocytopenia even in healthy children. The recent surge in PVB19 cases in Europe, aligned with known epidemiological cycles, underscores the importance of vigilance in diagnosis, particularly during peak seasons. Additionally, concerning the role of serological testing in the diagnostic process, the potential for cross-reactivity among viral antigens is pointed out. PVB19 is a common infection with a broad range of clinical presentations. Awareness of its potential complications, including thrombocytopenia, even in nonimmunocompromised children, is crucial. Moreover, understanding the epidemiological patterns of PVB19 can aid in anticipating and managing outbreaks, thus minimizing its impact on pediatric health.

Increased parvovirus B19 seropositivity in healthy blood donors in India

A core component of every blood program is the supply of safe blood and blood products. The elevated risk of transmission through these products is due to parvovirus B19 (B19V) resistance to the virus inactivation procedures. Our study aimed to screen asymptomatic blood donors for B19V at a tertiary care hospital in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, between September 2020 and June 2021. Sera from 106 healthy blood donors who tested negative for Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), Hepatitis C virus (HCV), syphilis, and malaria were tested for anti-B19V IgM and IgG using a qualitative indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). In the study population, 23.5% (n = 25) of donors tested IgM positive, 38.6% (n = 41) tested IgG positive, and 7.5% (n = 8) tested positive for both IgM and IgG. A proportion of 61.3% (n = 65) of the blood donors tested IgG negative, suggesting they had no past B19V infection. B19V DNA was not detected in any of the subjects. The high seroprevalence of IgM indicates that blood donors may have been recently exposed to B19V, potentially posing a risk to immunocompromised individuals and those with hematological stress. Further longitudinal studies with a larger sample size are recommended to better understand the risk of B19V transfusion transmission.

“Parvovirus B19–related Acute Hepatitis: Clinical Spectrum and Outcome in Children”

Acute liver injury is a common manifestation of parvovirus B19 (PVB19) infection in immunocompromised patients. However, literature in immunocompetent children is scarce. We aimed to study the clinicolaboratory features and outcome of hepatic involvement by PVB19 infection in hospitalized children. We retrospectively analyzed our prospectively kept database of all children (<18 years old) admitted with acute viral hepatitis (AVH), acute liver failure (ALF) or acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF), and PVB19 infection between January 2010 and December 2023. Clinical features, laboratory parameters, and complications were evaluated. Poor outcome was defined as death or liver transplantation. A total of 35 children (19 boys [54%], median age: 7.25 [interquartile range: 4-10.8] years) with PVB19-related hepatitis were studied (28 [80%] isolated PVB19 infection and 7 [20%] coinfections [3 with Epstein-Barr virus, 2 with hepatitis A, and 1 each with hepatitis-E and cytomegalovirus]). AVH (17, 49%) was the most common presentation, followed by ALF (13, 37%) and acute insult in ACLF (5, 14%). Patients with coinfection had significantly higher bilirubin (14.6 [9.4-21.5] vs 6.8 [4.3-10.9] mg/dl; P=0.004) and transaminases (ALT: 697 [428-1296] vs. 277 [157-478] U/L; P=0.02) but similar mortality (1/7 vs 6/23; P=1.0) than PVB19 alone. Nine cases (25.7%) had extrahepatic complications (hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis [HLH]: 3, acute kidney injury: 3, aplastic anemia: 2, and myocarditis: 1). Poor outcome occurred in 38% (5/13) ALF, 11.7% (2/17) AVH (HLH: 1, myocarditis: 1), and none (0/5) of the ACLF cases. PVB19 should be considered in children presenting with indeterminate acute liver injury, especially in younger children or those with complications such as aplastic anemia, HLH, or myocarditis.

The emergence of parvovirus B19 as a pathogen in acute encephalitis syndrome.

Despite scarcity of data, in recent years, human parvovirus B19 (PVB19) has been emerging as an important pathogen in acute encephalitis syndrome (AES). But, PVB19 virus is mostly looked for only after the exclusion of other common pathogens implicated in AES. Hence, this study was conducted to correlate clinical, radiological, and sequencing data to establish the crucial role of PVB19 in AES. Cerebrospinal fluid and/or serum samples were collected from AES patients as per WHO criteria and tested by ELISA, real-time PCR and bacterial culture sensitivity for various pathogens. PVB19 positive samples were subjected to sequencing. PVB19 attributed to 5% of total AES cases in the present study with fatalities in two of eight cases. Two isolates of PVB19 belonged to Genotype 1 A whereas one belonged to Genotype 3B. On multivariate analysis of predictive symptoms of PVB19 AES cases, blurring of vision (odds ratio [OR] 20.67; p = 0.001) was found to be significant independent predictor of PVB19 AES. Six of eight patients (two encephalitis specific and four nonspecific) had abnormal radiological findings. Hence, being an emerging viral pathogen, PVB19 should be included in the diagnostic algorithm of AES for prompt diagnosis and definitive management to prevent undesired neurological sequelae.

A Mysterious Foe in a Case of Malaria: Rare Case of Coinfection with Review of the Literature

Parvovirus B19 and Plasmodium vivax coinfections are rarely documented. Parvovirus B19 may cause bone-marrow suppression, reticulocytopenia, and anemia in malaria patients. Here, we describe an 11-year-old boy with fever, jaundice, and anemia who was diagnosed with P. vivax and treated with chloroquine. Jaundice and fever subsided, but anemia persisted. A blood smear showed no malarial parasites after the completion of antimalarial treatment. Because of persisting anemia, a bone-marrow aspiration was requested, which revealed erythroid suppression and giant proerythroblast with nuclear inclusions. Parvovirus B19-specific IgM antibodies are also found in peripheral blood. The patient received supportive treatment and red blood cell transfusions. After 3 months, the patient was asymptomatic and had normal blood counts. Any chronic anemia should be examined for parvovirus B19 infection, even in cases of well-known factors of anemia. To the best of our knowledge, this is an index case of P. vivax and parvovirus B19 coinfection.

240.1: Human parvovirus B19 infection in kidney transplant recipients: Therapeutic strategies and outcomes.

240.1: Human parvovirus B19 infection in kidney transplant recipients: Therapeutic strategies and outcomes.

Differential diagnosis on measles and rubella discarded cases highlights a sharp increase in parvovirus B19 infections in Milan, Northern Italy, in the first months of 2024.

In line with European trends, since 2023 Lombardy (Northern Italy) is experiencing a resurgence of measles and an increased number of reported cases of fever and rash. Measles discarded cases observed in our region within the context of measles and rubella surveillance from the first few months of 2024 (N = 30) were investigated for parvovirus B19 (B19V) and other rash-associated viruses. Thirteen cases tested positive for B19V DNA, representing a significant increase from previous years (on average 3 cases per year, p < 0.001) and ~40% of all B19V DNA-positive patients we detected since 2017. In 2024, B19V DNA-positive subjects spanned all ages, and the virus was predominant among adolescents and adults (84.6%). Two B19V infected patients were hospitalised, and likely cross-reacting anti-measles virus IgM were found in both. Our data align with the recent reports from the ECDC and various European countries, which are experiencing a surge in B19V infections, and underline the importance of comprehensive measles and rubella surveillance systems that can adapt to changing epidemiological trends.