Acute Parvovirus B19 Infection Leading to Severe Aplastic Anemia in a Previously Healthy Adult Female

Abstract

Human Parvovirus B19 has been linked to a variety of diseases. One of the most common complications is transient aplastic crisis in patients with chronic hemolytic anemia. Very few case reports have implicated this virus as a putative etiology behind hepatitis and severe aplastic anemia in immuno competent individuals. We report a case of severe aplastic anemia in a previously healthy adult female due to acute parvovirus B19 infection. Laboratory examination showed pancytopenia in peripheral blood and severe hypoplastic bone marrow on biopsy. Serological analysis (ELISA) revealed acute Parvovirus B19 infection. In the face of unavailable HLA matched bone marrow donor, immuno-supressive therapy was contemplated, but could not be given because of financial constraints. Pancytopenia persists till date, 4 months after the diagnosis, with the patient requiring repeated packed red cell and irradiated platelet transfusions. Thus, acute infection with this virus must be considered a cause of acquired aplastic anemia even in individuals without underlying disease.

Risk of Anaemia in Population of Healthy Young People Inhabiting a Region in Central Europe

“…Secondly, the use of contraception, confirmed by 39% of women participating in the study, may reduce the absorption of vitamins, including vitamins involved in erythropoiesis. Additionally, some authors indicated that viral infections, especially of the Parvoviridae family [21] and autoimmunology diseases [22], also are the factors affecting the occurrence of anaemia. However, these factors could not be taken into account in our study.…”

Detection of parvovirus B19 IgM in patients with sickle cell disease in Lagos, Nigeria

“…Rajput et al [12] suggest that parvovirus B19 can have significant marrow aplastic effects even in immunocompetent individuals. There are currently no approved vaccines for the prevention of B19 virus in Nigeria.…”

Preservative Monitoring of a Greek Woman with Hydrops Fetalis due to Parvovirus B19 Infection

“…In addition, Rajput et al reported a case of severe aplastic anemia in a previously healthy adult female because of acute parvovirus B19 infection [22]. …”