Role of clinical, molecular, and serological features in the diagnosis of parvovirus B19 infection in children.

Background: Parvovirus B19(B19) is a DNA virus. The most common B19 disease is erythema infectiosum (fifth-disease). PCR and ELISA are sensitive for detecting of acute disease. However, it is not clear which test better and the relationship between laboratory tests and clinical findings.

Objective: To discuss the clinical and laboratory characteristics of pediatric patients infected with B19.

Methods: 236 children were examined. Children with at least one positive molecular or serological test were included. Positive serum B19-DNA and/or B19-IgM was considered an acute B19 infection.

Results: B19DNA was detected in 80.8 % of acute cases. Serological tests were less positive. Acute B19 infection was observed in 24 patients. Only 17 patients were positive for B19 DNA, 3 for IgM and 4 for both. The sensitivity of B19 DNA is 87.5 %. However, this rate is 29.2 % for B19 IgM.

Conclusions: B19-DNA and IgM together provide a better, highly accurate diagnosis.