parvoviruses


parvoviruses

A family of viruses that cause RUBELLA-like illnesses, transient joint pain and, in sickle cell disease, a failure of production of blood cells. Parvovirus B19 enjoys worldwide infectivity by droplet and has been spread in blood products. It causes Fifth disease, arthralgia and inflammatory arthritis, transient aplasia of red blood cells, miscarriage and hydrops fetalis. Immune globulins are an effective treatment.