HUMAN PARVOVIRUS B19 - PREVALENCE OF VIRAL-DNA IN VOLUNTEER BLOOD-DONORS AND CLINICAL OUTCOMES OF TRANSFUSION RECIPIENTS

Background and Objectives: Blood donor units are not screened for huma n parvovirus B19 (B19) even though it can be acquired via blood produc ts. We estimated the prevalence of B19 in a US volunteer blood donor p opulation and determined the clinical outcomes of transfusion recipien ts. Materials and Methods: Donor units were screened for B19 DNA by PC R, and positive units analyzed by EIA for B19 Ig. Unit usage was deter mined and recipient chart review conducted. Results: B19 DNA was detec ted in 11/9, 568 allogeneic units (0.1%), of which 3 had no measurable B19 Ig. One individual developed anemia consistent with B19 infection after receiving a DNA+ unit lacking B19 Ig. Conclusions: The apparent low incidence of disease in patients transfused with B19 DNA+ compone nts may be due to coexistence of neutralizing antibodies in donors and /or recipients.