Parvovirus B19

Question 1

What is the main infection caused by parvovirus B-19

Answer 1

erythema infectiosum/ Slapped-cheek

Question 2

Clinical features of erythema infectiosum/ Slapped-cheek

Answer 2

• noticeable red rash on cheeks
• may spread to rest of the body but rarely involves palms/ soles
• some only have minor feverish illness (no rash)

Question 3

Children should be excluded from school with slapped-cheek syndrome. TRUE/FALSE?

Answer 3

FALSE
- not infectious once rash emerges
- rash usually peaks within 1 week then fades

Question 4

What can cause the slapped cheek rash to reappear in the months following the infection?

Answer 4

• warm bath
• sunlight/heat
• Fever

Question 5

Management of slapped-cheek

Answer 5

Supportive
no specific treatment

Question 6

What can parvovirus B-19 cause in adults?

Answer 6

acute arthritis.

Question 7

Transmission of parvovirus B19

Answer 7

respiratory route

Question 8

When are patients infectious?

Answer 8

3-5 days before rash

Question 9

What should be checked if a pregnant woman is exposed to parvovirus B19 (<20 weeks)

Answer 9

• Check maternal IgM and IgG

Question 10

Other presentations of Parvovirus B19 infection (not related to erythema infectiosum)

Answer 10

• pancytopaenia in immunosuppressed patients
• aplastic crises in sickle-cell
• hydrops fetalis

Question 11

Describe what happens in hydrops foetalis

Answer 11

1. viral suppression of fetal erythropoiesis => anaemia
2. heart failure trying to counteract anaemia
3. accumulation of fluid (ascites, pleural and pericardial effusions)

Question 12

how is hydrops foetalis treated?

Answer 12

intrauterine blood transfusions