Video - Parvovirus B19

Parvovirus B19 is a single-strand DNA virus of the parvoviridae family, which is commonly known for causing diseases in the pediatric population, though it can also affect adults.

Parvovirus B19 is primarily spread by infected respiratory droplets and causes the Fifth disease or "slapped cheek syndrome" in children, characterized by a distinctive red rash on the cheeks. It can also cause redness and joint pain (arthritis) in adults. Parvovirus B19 can also affect the bone marrow, resulting in anemia secondary to decreased erythropoiesis. Anemia can even be worse in patients with pre-existing bone marrow stress, for example, sickle cell anemia or hereditary spherocytosis which can lead to an aplastic crisis.

Treatment for parvovirus B19 varies according to the symptoms, and can involve blood transfusion for transient aplastic crisis and hydrops fetalis and immune globulin intravenous therapy for chronic infections.