Parvovirus B19 | Antibodies IgM

General Information

Against parvovirus B19 IgM antibodies

The test is used to detect acute or recent infection. IgM antibodies usually appear 10–14 days after infection, peak within a few weeks, and disappear within 2–3 months in most cases.

Parvovirus B19 is a member of the Parvoviridae family. For reproduction, they need actively dividing cells, therefore, when entering the body, the virus resides and multiplies in the precursor cells of human erythrocytes - in the bone marrow. The risk of infecting cells increases with the degree of differentiation.

The cytotoxic effect of the B19 virus is manifested by the synthesis of unstructured proteins in the cell. Infected erythroblastic colonies contain large pronormoblasts with immature chromatin, cytoplasmic vacuolation, and large nuclei.

Parvovirus infection is common in children. Infection can also develop in adults.

The virus is transmitted mainly by respiratory route. Direct transmission of infection is common in schools, public places and hospitals. Infection is also possible through transfusion of blood or blood products.

In immunocompromised patients, viremia is manifested by chronic aplastic anemia, which is also accompanied by liver damage, respiratory disorders, and myocarditis.

During pregnancy, parvovirus infection is transferred to the fetus through the placenta (25% of cases). Since the life cycle of fetal erythrocytes is short before 20 weeks of gestation and the immune response cannot develop, there is a risk of severe anemia and premature termination of pregnancy.

Parvovirus infection in the second trimester causes fetal hydrops, which results in fetal death.

IgM antibodies develop in 10-12 days after exposure, while IgG antibodies take about 2 weeks to develop.

IgM antibodies remain in the blood for several months after infection. IgG remains throughout life and its titer increases in case of re-infection.

The development of chronic parvovirus infection is the result of immunosuppression, when the immune system cannot produce enough antibodies.

Preparation of the patient:The study does not require prior preparation of the patient.

Material for examination:Venous blood