Human parvovirus B19 infection in healthcare workers

This paper reports the occurrence of human parvovirus B19 infection in seven healthcare workers in an acute hospital. The clinical presentation mimicked that of rubella and the diagnosis was made by the detection of human parvovirus B19 IgM antibody in blood samples taken from the affected members of staff. The paper discusses the importance of accurate diagnosis of B19 infection because this virus has been implicated in causing or exacerbating a variety of medical conditions. B19 infection may be serious for people with chronic haemolytic anaemias, those who are immunocompromised or those who are pregnant. B19 infection in pregnancy may be a cause of hydrops fetalis, particularly if the infection occurs during the second trimester. This is in contrast to the risk of intra-uterine rubella infection which is maximal in the first few weeks of pregnancy and which affects fetal development. The paper highlights the need for guidelines for occupational health practitioners on the management of parvovirus B19 infection and the need to make healthcare workers aware of the importance of this infection.