Parvovirus B19 infection in sickle cell disease: An analysis from the Centers for Disease Control haemoglobinopathy blood surveillance project

Abstract

Summary Objective In the multicentre Haemoglobinopathy Blood Surveillance Project, to evaluate the seroprevalence of parvovirus B19 and DNA viral load in sickle cell disease (SCD). Background Although the epidemiology of parvovirus B19 seropositivity in SCD has been well documented, there are few studies that have assessed possible persistent parvovirus DNAemia and associated risk factors including blood transfusion. Methods A qualitative analysis of parvovirus B19 serology using ELISA and quantitative parvovirus B19 DNA by RT‐PCR was performed in patients with SCD. Results Of 322 patients, 113 (35%) were parvovirus IgG positive and 119 (37%) were IgM positive at enrolment. The prevalence of IgG positivity increased with age. 71/322 (22%) were parvovirus DNA positive at enrolment with a mean viral load of 15 227 ± 55 227 SD. (range 72‐329 238 IU/mL). Patients who were positive for parvovirus B19 DNA received a significantly higher red blood cell transfusion volume in the prior year compared to patients who were negative (mean RBC volume = 8310 mL vs 5435 mL, respectively; P = .0073). Seventy‐seven patients had follow‐up testing approximately 1 year after enrolment and 11/28 (39%) patients had persistently positive IgM. Conclusion Further studies are needed to better understand the natural history of parvovirus B19 infection in SCD especially in relation to RBC transfusion as a risk factor, as well as disease outcome and severity.

Acute human parvovirus B19 infection triggers immune‐mediated transient bone marrow failure syndrome, extreme direct hyperbilirubinaemia and acute hepatitis in patients with hereditary haemolytic anaemias: multicentre prospective pathophysiological study

“…Regarding haematological affliction, a higher incidence of BMF was noted in the present study compared to previous reports 3,15 . BM examinations of our present cohort with pancytopenia showed several forms.…”

“…Regarding haematological affliction, a higher incidence of BMF was noted in the present study compared to previous reports. 3,15 BM examinations of our present cohort with pancytopenia showed several forms. Our findings support the previous reports that HPV-B19 did not target erythroid progenitor cells only, which may lead to TAC 16 and myelodysplasia, 17 but also non-erythroid cells such as megakaryocytes and leucocytic cells could be affected.…”

Case Report: Pure Red Cell Aplasia Caused by Refractory Parvovirus B19 Infection After Pancreas Transplantation Alone

“…Although parvovirus B19 DNA regularly persists in different tissues, reactivation and replication are unlikely in this virus type. Studies have shown that the risk of acquiring a parvovirus B19 infection is greater during the 1st year post-engraftment and can be related to the use of red blood cell transfusions ( 22 , 23 ).…”