Molecular and Serological Study of Parvovirus B19 Infection among Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients at Menoufia University Hospital

Abstract

Background: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease. Conflicting reports are available about the association between human parvovirus B19 (B19) infection and RA. Most studies were done in European and Asian countries, but only few studies were performed in Africa. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the seroprevalence of parvovirus B19 infection in RA patients compared with healthy controls and to search for possible association of B19 viremia with disease activity and severity. Methodology: This case-control study was conducted on 50 RA patients who fulfilled the 2010 American College of Rheumatology/European League against Rheumatism classification criteria for rheumatoid arthritis and 30 matched healthy controls. All participants were examined for parvovirus B19 infection by serological detection of anti-B19 IgM and IgG by ELISA and B19 DNA by nested PCR. Results: Parvovirus B19 DNA was detected in 17 (34%) of patients While controls were (6.7%) with a significant difference (0.005). There was significant difference between patients and controls (P=0.007) regarding IgG anti-B19 antibody but not anti-B19 IgM (P =0.59). There was a significant association between B19 viremia and all activity parameters. B19 positive patients had higher levels of ESR and CRP, higher DAS28 scores and more affected joints than B19 negative patients with statistically significant differences. B19 positive patients had significantly higher levels of RF and anti-CCP. Furthermore, B19 positive patients were more likely to have joint erosion. Conclusion: This study revealed that parvovirus B19 infection may play a role in the aetiopathogenesis of RA.

Infectious and Commensal Bacteria in Rheumatoid Arthritis—Role in the Outset and Progression of the Disease

“…Viral infections were suspected for their importance in rheumatic disease development for years. There are various reports about the Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) [ 7 , 8 ], Cytomegalovirus (CMV) [ 9 ], Parvovirus B19 [ 10 ], or even Human Herpes Virus 6 (HHV-6) [ 11 ] and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) [ 12 ] occurring in higher frequencies in patients with rheumatic diseases.…”