CYTODIAGNOSIS OF PARVOVIRUS B19 INFECTION FROM ASCITES-FLUID OF HYDROPS-FETALIS - REPORT OF A CASE

The cytologic changes in the smears of fetus ascites fluid with parvov irus B19 infections are described. Cytology revealed the ground-glass appearance of the nuclei having a perinuclear halo, and the nuclear ch romatin was spread as a thin rim around the inclusion. Subsequently, m onoclonal antibodies for parvovirus B19 were applied to identify the s pecific antigen in the Papanicolaou-destained specimens. Positive stai ning reaction products were found throughout the cytoplasm of cells. S imilar phenomena were confirmed in paraffin-embedded tissue sections o f many organs in autopsy materials. It is hoped that recognition of th ose virus-infected cells in the body cavity fluid of the fetus will be helpful in making a diagnosis of hydrops fetalis associated with parv ovirus B19 infections of the pregnant woman. (C) 1995 Wiley-Liss, Inc.