Anaemia, parvovirus, and malaria.

摘要

Parvovirus B19 was first identified in 1975 by Yvonne Cossart,an Australian virologist working at that time in London. Parvovirus B19 is the causative agent of the common childhood infection, fifth disease or slapped-cheek disease, so named for the characteristic facial rash seen in young children. Infection with the virus is common and endemic in virtually all parts of the world, although local epidemics of infection are not unusual, with outbreaks in temperate countries occurring in the spring every 3-4 years. Infection inEurope and USA is predominantly in children or young adults, with 50% of 15-year-olds having parvovirus B19 IgG antibody, which is indicative of previous infection.B19 IgG is protective against re-infection and acute B19 infection is a single event in a person's life.Although most cases of fifth disease are mild and clear without consequence, active B19 infection can be associated with significant pathology, particularly in those -with compromised red-cell production or immunosuppression.