A FETUS WITH A PARVOVIRUS-B19 INFECTION AND CONGENITAL-ANOMALIES

A fetus with multiple structural defects was seen at prenatal ultrasou nd examination. After termination of the pregnancy a bilateral cleft l ip, alveolus, and palate; micrognathia; and webbed joints were seen. F etal tissues showed indications of infection, intranuclear inclusion b odies, chronic stress, haemolysis, arterial wall damage, and profuse h aemorrhage. Parvovirus B19 DNA was detected in fetal tissues by dot hy bridization after polymerase chain reaction. The possibility of parvov irus B19 infection leading to congenital malformations is discussed.