HUMAN PARVOVIRUS B19-ASSOCIATED ACUTE APL ASTIC-ANEMIA LEADING TO THEDIAGNOSIS OF HEREDITARY SPHEROCYTOSIS IN AN ADULT

A case of hereditary spherocytosis diagnosed during evaluation of acut e aplastic anemia induced by the human parvovirus B19 in a 35-year-old woman is reported. The HPV B19 selectively infects erythroblasts. Mos t cases of HPV B19-induced aplastic anemia have occurred in children o r in patients known to have chronic hemolytic anemia. There have been very few reports of hereditary spherocytosis diagnosed in adults with acute aplastic anemia. Patients with acute aplastic anemia should be r outinely evaluated for infection with the HPV B19 (specific IgM antibo dies, viral antigen) and for underlying chronic hemolytic anemia. Suff icient time should be allowed to elapse since the last blood transfusi on before performing these investigations.