Causative Agent
Parvoviruses are small round viruses with a single stranded DNA genome that lack a lipid envelope. Fairly widespread, they are noted as significant pathogens in veterinary medicine, causing a range of diseases that includes reproductive failure.
Clinical Description
Parvovirus B19 (which accounts for almost all human parvovirus infections), most commonly affects children in whom it usually presents as erythema infectiosum (or slapped cheek syndrome). Increasingly associated with a broader spectrum of disease (including arthritis, anaemia and rarely also myocarditis and nephritis).
Transmission
A common infection, parvovirus is usually spread by the respiratory route although it may also be transmitted by blood components or blood products.
Surveillance in Scotland
As for other non-notifiable conditions, surveillance information is
based on the numbers of laboratory reports to HPS, which come for the
most part from hospitalised patients.
Trends in Scotland (1995-2000)
A pattern is emerging of two years of epidemic, followed by two years of low incidence.
Incidence and Risk
The peak incidence in the UK occurs in April and May, although cases may be recorded in any month. In adults, especially women, B19 infection is often complicated by acute polyarthritis, which may persist in some cases. Infection during pregnancy is of special concern since B19 can cross the placenta, with serious complications (although most women infected during pregnancy deliver a healthy infant). There is also a high risk of complications in patients who are immuno-compromised or who have chronic haemolytic anaemia.
Prevention
A widespread common infection, prevention or control measures are not indicated except for healthcare workers or pregnant women.
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