Human parvovirus B19: etiopathogenesis and relation with leukaemias

Abstract

The human parvovirus B19 (B19V) is the causing agent of the erythema infectiosum in children known, for a long time as "fifth disease". This infection albeit initially described over 100 years ago, only in the past 30 years the virus became known by the scientists. In spite of resolving with no serious complications, in immunocompetent individuals, different groups of patients deserve special attention when infected by this parvovirus, due to the severe outcomes that may occur. Among such patients are the carriers of hemoglobinopathies, immunocompromised individuals, and fetus. It is speculated that the B19V infection is related to the pathogenesis of acute leukaemias. Nowadays, modern techniques have been applied for the diagnosis of this illness, including the detection of the virus and immunoglobulin dosage in the serum. The treatment, on the other hand, remains symptomatic in the majority of the cases. However, new anti-retroviral therapeutic approaches have been used, specially when complications are manifested. The purpose of this study is to present a review focusing on the main clinical, immunocellular and therapeutical aspects of this commonly underestimated exanthematic disease.