PERSISTENT B19 PARVOVIRUS INFECTION IN PEDIATRIC MALIGNANCIES

Background and Procedure. The frequency and clinical importance of par vovirus B19 infection were studied in children investigated or treated for various malignancies and cytopenias. Results. B19 infection was t hus demonstrated in sis out of 53 unselected children with malignancie s by bone marrow examination, using the B19, DNA-specific, polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Examinations using the PCR in serum samples were equally or less sensitive than in bone marrow samples. One of the chi ldren had a persistent B19 infection during maintenance therapy for ac ute lymphoblastic leukemia. She developed a prolonged and severe cytop enia, and the clinical signs included facial rash, chills, high undula ting lever, and pharyngitis. She also seroconverted and became B19 IgM -antibody positive during the study period. Conclusions. Parvovirus B1 9 infection was detected in 10% of the children and was either asympto matic or was associated with severe and prolonged cytopenia. Bone marr ow examinations are recommended for the detection of B19 DNA in immuno suppressed children. (C) 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.