Human Parvovirus B19 infection
Human Parvovirus B19 infection Causes
Some infectious agents known to cause a ?reactive? form of arthritis and rash because of their ability to act as superantigens include cytomegalovirus, streptococcus, mycoplasma, Klebsiella, and Borrelia burgdorferi.
Human Parvovirus B19 infection Definition
Human Parvovirus B19, a species of parvovirus that infects humans, is linked with the development of several different autoimmune diseases including dematomyositis, mixed connective tissue diseases, a lupus-like illness, a serologically negative (negative RA factor test) form of arthritis, granuloma annulare, autoimmune thyroid disease, autoimmune schizophrenia, and various forms of vasculitis, including Henoch Schonlein purpura, Kawasaki disease, Wegener's granulomatosis, and polyarteritis nodosa. The development of autoimmune conditions following Human Parvovirus B19 arises in people of all ages and occurs more frequently in females. Autoimmune disease development is also known to appear in adults exposed to children with fifth disease
Human Parvovirus B19 infection Diagnosis
The diagnosis for human parvovirus B19 infection is done through serological tests for Human Parvovirus B19 antibodies.
Human Parvovirus B19 infection Symptoms and Signs
Infection with Human Parvovirus B19 is marked by a petechial (causing small bruise-like eruptions) rash similar to the skin lesions seen in Sweet's syndrome or erythema multiforme. This rash appears in a ?glove and stocking? distribution in the pattern of a lace-like or reticular rash covering the trunk; another finding is a characteristic reddening of the cheeks referred to as a ?slapped cheek? sign. Other symptoms of infection include a systemic lupus-like syndrome of arthritis, mucosal ulcers of the mouth and/or genital tract, edema, uveitis, fever, joint pain, muscle weakness, and purpura or bruising of the lower extremities.
Human Parvovirus B19 infection Treatment
Treatment for connective tissue diseases and other autoimmune conditions suspected of being triggered by chronic Human Parvovirus B19 infection include immunosuppressive and immunomodulatory therapy with agents including prednisone, hydroxychloroquine, cyclophosphamide, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and etanercept. None of these therapies, however, have caused a complete resolution of symptoms.