Parvovirus B19 Infection exposure During Pregnancy

Parvovirus B19 is a small, single-stranded DNA virus that inhibits erythropoiesis by being cytotoxic to erythroid progenitor cells. During pregnancy, infection with parvovirus B19 can lead to severe fetal complications, including fetal anemia, neurological anomalies, hydrops fetalis, and fetal death. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent these outcomes. Diagnosis can be confirmed by testing maternal serum for IgM antibodies and detecting viral DNA via PCR. If maternal infection is confirmed, ultrasound and measurement of peak systolic flow velocity of the middle cerebral artery are used to diagnose fetal anemia and hydrops. Intrauterine transfusion is the primary treatment for fetal anemia, while induction of delivery is considered if the fetus is near term. Most maternal infections occur through contact with infected children. Counseling susceptible pregnant women can help reduce unnecessary fetal deaths.

Parvovirus B19 infection during pregnancy is typically asymptomatic, but in approximately 3% of cases, it can lead to significant complications such as miscarriage, severe fetal anemia, nonimmune hydrops fetalis, and fetal demise. Certain factors elevate the risk of acute infection in pregnant women, including having multiple children, working in childcare settings, and experiencing high-stress environments. The risk of infection increases substantially with close, frequent interaction with an...