[Relationship between human parvovirus B19 infection and spontaneous abortion].

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether there is a relationship between parvovirus B19 infection and spontaneous abortion.

METHODS

105 embryo tissues from spontaneous abortions of unknown cause during 1994-1995 were studied using nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay for parvovirus B19 DNA. As controls 40 fetal tissues were also examined. Among which, 20 were collected from induced abortions, and the others were stillbirths. The positive specimens underwent further study for TORCH infections.

RESULTS

26 (24.5%) were B19 DNA positive in the case group and 2 (5.0%) in the control group. The difference was significant (P < 0.05). Among 26 positive specimens, 5 had cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection as well as 2 had both CMV and herpes simplex virus (RSV) infections.

CONCLUSIONS

Parvovirus B19 infection may be an important pathogen for spontaneous abortion, and it is suggested to investigate parvovirus B19 infection among pregnant women in China.