Parvovirus B19 infection during pregnancy

Abstract

Parvovirus B19 (B19V) is a widespread pathogen causing infection that occurs mostly in children. Even though infection of B19V is mainly asymptomatic, it can bring about a few conditions that may require medical intervention, including erythema infectiosum (fifth disease), slapped cheek syndrome, papular-purpuric gloves and socks syndrome (PPGSS), as well as other disorders related to the hematological system. Despite the fact that the most common route of transmission is through the respiratory system, B19V can be also transmitted transplacentally from mother to foetus. Vertical transmission may lead to myocarditis, thrombocytopenia, neural manifestations, and foetal hydrops, which may be life-threatening conditions to both mother and foetus. Detection of B19V infection is based mostly on molecular and serological screening and it is performed after suspected exposure to pathogen or exhibition of symptoms. Currently, there is no specific medication against B19V infection, therefore, treatment is based on the elimination of symptoms. New therapies are, however, under development.

Molecular detection of human parvovirus B19 DNA amongst pregnant women attending antenatal clinic in Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital Nnewi, Anambra State, Nigeria

“…The result of this study was also higher to that reported by another study conducted in Sudan by [23], who reported a seropositivity rate of (41%). The result of this study is also higher than the result of the study reported in Libya by [16] who reported a seropositivity rate of 5%. However the result of this study was lower than the result of a study conducted in Italy by [24] who reported a seropositivity rate of (96.3%).…”

“…The findings of this study was also higher than the report of the study conducted by [16] on Parvovirus B19 infection in pregnancy who reported that the spontaneous loss rate of fetuses affected with Parvovirus B19 in their first trimester was (13.0%) and higher than the spontaneous loss rate of fetuses affected with Parvovirus B19 in their second trimester (0.5%) [16]. the difference may be due to the different diagnostic techniques demographic and geographical variation, type of samples and the population investigated.…”

“…In the present study highest seropositivity rate of Parvovirus B19 DNA (38.5%) and (38.5%) was recorded among the pregnant women aged (26-30 years) and (31-35) years respectively. Other studies reported varying findings e.g in Syria the highest seropositivity was (67.4%) in the age range 37-42 years, [22] and in Libya it was (57%) in the age range of 33-37 years [16]. However the prevalence of Parvovirus B19 DNA was Lowest (0%) among pregnant women aged 36-40 years.…”