Human parvovirus B19: prevalence of viral DNA in volunteer blood donors and clinical outcomes of transfusion recipients.

BACKGROUND AND

OBJECTIVES

Blood donor units are not screened for human parvovirus B19 (B19) even though it can be acquired via blood products. We estimated the prevalence of B19 in a US volunteer blood donor population and determined the clinical outcomes of transfusion recipients.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

Donor units were screened for B19 DNA by PCR, and positive units analyzed by EIA for B19 Ig. Unit usage was determined and recipient chart review conducted.

RESULTS

B19 DNA was detected in 11/9, 568 allogeneic units (0.1%), of which 3 had no measurable B19 Ig. One individual developed anemia consistent with B19 infection after receiving a DNA+ unit lacking B19 Ig.

CONCLUSIONS

The apparent low incidence of disease in patients transfused with B19 DNA+ components may be due to coexistence of neutralizing antibodies in donors and/or recipients.