Viruses Genomes - B19 Virus

The most common illness caused by parvovirus B19 infection is fifth disease (also called erythema infectiosum). Fifth disease presents as a mild rash illness that occurs most often in children. The ill child typically has a "slapped-cheek" rash on the face and a lacy red rash on the trunk and limbs. Occasionally, the rash may itch. The child is usually not very ill, and the rash resolves in 7 to 10 days. Once a child recovers from parvovirus infection, he or she develops lasting immunity.

B19 can also affect adults and most frequently females. A rash is still sometimes present however joint involvement is more common presenting as arthritic symptoms again resolving within 7-10 days.

B19 virus is present throughout the year, in temperate climates outbreaks of infection are more common in the spring and summer. These outbreaks are often centred around primary schools. Respiratory spread is the usual route of transmission of the virus. Bloodborne spread can occur in recipients of whole blood and factor VIII. The frequency of seropositivity among haemophiliac children is significantly higher than normal.

Patients who have a compromised immune system, sickle cell anaemia and women who are pregnant are at a greater risk for developing fifth disease. Although most pregnant women who have parvovirus go onto to deliver a healthy infant at term, the B19 virus can cross the placenta, infect the fetus and cause fetal loss in about ten percent of pregnancies.

There is no vaccine or medicine that prevents parvovirus B19 infection.

References:

http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/diseases/parvovirus/B19&preg.htm
http://virology-online.com/viruses/Parvoviruses4.htm
http://www.hmc.psu.edu/childrens/healthinfo/pq/parvovirus.htm