Parvovirus IgM (Erythema infectiosum)
General information:
Why and when is it examined?
Erythema infectiosum is a disease that occurs in childhood, most often between the ages of 3 and 15. It is called the "Fifth disease" because it is among the diseases that appear most often in childhood - measles, scarlet fever, rubella and rubella-scarlatina (Scarlatiniform rubella Filatov-Duke variant). It is a mild but contagious disease that is caused by a specific type of virus - Parvavirus B19. Erythema infectiosum resembles rubella, but unlike it, it proceeds with fewer complications and with preservation of a better general condition. Most often, this infection passes mildly, with minor malaise, slightly elevated temperature and muscle pains. In some patients, it appears with a characteristic rash on the skin. It is bright red, well circumscribed, and resembles a slap mark, hence the term "slapped cheek syndrome." In the days after the first appearance of the red spots, it is possible for the rash to spread to the rest of the body - most often on the upper parts of the arms and legs, as well as on the buttocks. The spots merge with each other and resemble the shape of a garland. The rash is accompanied by itching, but disappears after a few days to weeks.
How likely are we to get infected and how does it affect pregnant women?
It is a disease that manifests itself most often in childhood, but it is possible to develop it later in life. "Fifth disease" is transmitted by airborne droplets, and the time between infection and the appearance of the first symptoms is between 4 and 14 days (maximum 3 weeks). We could become infected even without knowing that we had contact with a sick person, since the infection is transmitted when the characteristic rash has not yet appeared. In most cases, no abnormalities are detected in the condition and development of the fetus in pregnant women. However, there is a possibility that this could happen because Parvovirus B19 has the ability to cross the placental barrier and thus reach the fetus. Affecting the fetus is possible in the first trimester of pregnancy. The virus can affect his ability to produce red blood cells, leading to a dangerous form of anemia, heart failure, and in about 2 to 9 percent of cases, death.
Sample required:
Key words:
parvovirus IgM, erythema infectiosum