Description
Three genotypes of parvovirus B19 are now known to exist. Genotype 1 circulates among primary school children and causes Fifth disease. Persistent arthritis of small joints may follow particularly in adult women. In predisposed patients B19 virus is associated with severe disease such as aplastic crisis, chronic anaemia and connective tissue disorders. Diagnosis is normally by IgM serology though PCR is available for immune compromised patients. Infection in the first 20 weeks of pregnancy is associated with a 9% increased risk of foetal loss. Follow up by weekly ultrasound scans to detect if hydrops foetalis (“hydrops”) develops reduces the risk of foetal loss.
