Parvovirus B19 infection

Parvovirus B19 infection in adults can cause a mild or no symptoms. Approximately 50% of pregnant women have already passed the infection at some point in their life and are already immunized.

It is a typically childhood infection, with a higher incidence between 4 and 14 years of age, which causes fever, sore throat and joint pain. Children develop a pinkish rash on their cheeks "like a slap."

The infection is passed once in a lifetime.

Symptoms of parvovirus infection

Most pregnant women who become infected with parvovirus B19 have healthy babies. In less than 5% of cases it can cause spontaneous abortions. The highest risk of fetal death from Erythema Infectious is in the first 20 weeks of pregnancy.

In severe cases, parvovirus B19 infection can cause inflammation of the heart (myocarditis) and bone marrow damage (leading to very severe anemia) in the baby. If the damage to the heart is very severe, it can cause hydrops fetalis (excessive accumulation of fluid in the baby's tissues). Hydrops can be diagnosed and monitored by ultrasound during pregnancy; in some cases it disappears and the baby is born without sequelae. In others, it can cause the death of the fetus.

Most infected babies are born without problems and healthy.

Diagnosis

The gynecologist can know the immunity status of the pregnant woman by requesting a blood test.

Prevention and treatment

There is no treatment or vaccine for this viral infection. The evolution of the fetus can only be controlled if there has been a maternal infection. In cases of hydrops and severe anemia there are no effective treatments.

For pregnant women who work with children (nurseries, hospitals, schools) it is advisable to take extreme hygiene measures: wash hands very well and do not share drinks or meals with children.

Pediatric Specialist