HUMAN PARVOVIRUS-B19 INFECTION AND UNBALANCED TRANSLOCATION IN A CASEOF HYDROPS-FETALIS

In a case of hydrops fetalis, serological examination showed a recent maternal human parvovirus B19 infection. Amniocentesis revealed a uniq ue unbalanced translocation between chromosomes 3 and 11 of the fetus. The mother proved to have a balanced reciprocal translocation between chromosomes 3 and 11. A grossly macerated hydropic male fetus was del ivered with a flat nose and low implanted deformed ears. Histopatholog ical examination revealed nuclear inclusion bodies in fetal erythroid cells, confirming human parvovirus B19 infection. Parvovirus B19 DNA w as demonstrated by in situ hybridization in the nuclei of heart muscle cells. Our finding of two different disorders in one case illustrates the importance of a complete evaluation of every case of hydrops feta lis, especially concerning counselling on the outcome of future pregna ncies. The human parvovirus B19 infection will not recur due to the ac quired immunity of the mother, whereas the balanced reciprocal translo cation will endanger future pregnancies.