Parvovirus B19

Parvovirus B19 is a virus that can cause many illnesses. Fifth disease, a mild rash illness that occurs most often in children, is one of the illnesses that can be caused by parvovirus B19. Other illnesses caused by parvovirus B19 include arthropathy (disease of a joint), transient aplastic crisis (temporary dysfunction of an organ), chronic anemia (deficiency of red blood cells), and fetal infection. Parvovirus B19 is probably spread from person to person by direct contact with respiratory secretions (such as saliva, sputum, and nasal mucus).

 

Parvovirus B19: An Overview

Parvovirus B19 is a virus that commonly infects humans. About 50 percent of all adults have been infected sometime during childhood or adolescence. Parvovirus B19 infects only humans.
 
Parvovirus B19 is a small, single-stranded DNA virus.
 

Effects of Parvovirus B19

Parvovirus can cause a variety of illnesses, including:
 
  • Fifth disease (erythema infectiosum or slapped cheek syndrome)
  • Arthropathy (disease of a joint)
  • Transient aplastic crisis (temporary dysfunction of an organ)
  • Chronic anemia (deficiency of red blood cells)
  • Fetal infection.
     
Many of these conditions occur because parvovirus B19 causes problems with bone marrow cells.
 
Fifth Disease
The most common illness caused by parvovirus B19 infection is fifth disease, 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 the parvovirus infection, he or she develops lasting immunity, which means that the child is protected against future infection.
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Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD