Human parvovirus infection.

Fifth disease (erythema infectiosum) has recently been linked to human parvovirus (HPV) infection. HPV is also capable of causing aplastic anemia, arthritis and perinatal complications, including hydrops fetalis and spontaneous abortion. Clinically suspected cases of HPV infection can now be confirmed serologically. IgM antibodies peak early in the course of infection and are usually undetectable by two months. New procedures, including HPV-specific DNA probes, are being used to confirm in utero infections.