Parvoviruses

Properties of Parvoviruses
Structure
Icosahedral
18-26 nm diameter
Single-stranded DNA, 5.6 kb
Two proteins
Nonenveloped
Classification
Parvoviridae (vertebrates)
Parvovirus
Erythrovirus
Dependovirus (requires helper virus, such as an

adenovirus)
Densovirinae (insects)

Properties of Parvoviruses

Replication
Attachment and entry
Translocation of viral DNA into nucleus
Transcription and translation of viral nonstructural

protein and nucleocapsid

DNA replication
Virus assembly (nucleus)
Release from the cell through lysis

Parvovirus Infections in Humans

Diseases
Fifth disease (cutaneous rash)
Transient aplastic crisis (severe acute

anemia)
Pure red cell aplasia (chronic
anemia)
Hydrops fetalis (fatal fetal anemia)
B19 virus most common
Fifth Disease
Targets red blood cell progenitors
Pain in joints
Results in lysis of cells, thus
depleting source of mature red cells Fifth Disease (parvovirus B19)
Anemia ensues
Rarely fatal and without
complications

Parvovirus Infections in Humans

Transient aplastic crisis

B19 infection of those with other hemolytic anemias
Sickle cell disease
Thalassemias
Can complicate crises
Sometimes fatal
Infection of immunodeficient patients
Can cause persistent infection in bone marrow
Suppress red cell maturation
Leads to anemia
Infection during pregnancy
Can cause fetal anemia
Usually not fatal to fetus

Structure
Capsid proteins: VP1-3. These three
proteins protect the genetic
information and help with entry into
the host cell.
Non-Capsid protein: NS-1. This
protein is necessary for viral DNA
replication and ATP binding.
Parvovirus forms an icosahedral
structure that is resistant to pH,

Laboratory Diagnosis

PCR is most sensitive

Most useful during viremia
Otherwise, requires tissue biopsy or bone marrow tap
Serological testing for IgM
Determines recent infection
IgG testing is not informative

Mode of infection

Parvovirus B19 spreads through respiratory means (when an

infected person coughs or sneezes) and touching exposed surfaces
(doorknobs, sinks, light switches, etc...)

-The B19 virus can also spread through blood. If a woman infected with
Parvovirus B19 is pregnant, she can pass the virus to her baby.

-Palindromic sequences of about 120-250 nucleotides are found at the

5 and 3 ends of this genome. These form hairpins and are essential
for viral genome replication. Basically, Parvovirus is a vector.

-When Parvovirus enters an organism, it triggers apoptosis, or cell

death. It then continues to attack muscle and bone marrow cells.

-A person is most contagious before they get the rash or joint pain,
when it seems like they have "just a cold". After the rash appears, they
are probably not contagious.

Epidemiology
B19 virus is common and widespread
Most adults have been infected
Most infections are subclinical
IgG is detectable in most healthy people
Sporadic outbreaks, usually among children, occur each year
Transmission from patient to health care staf is not uncommon
Role in nosocomial transmission to other patients
Treatment
Address symptoms
Transfusions for serious anemic crises
Commercially-available neutralizing IgG (passive

immunization)
Prevention and control
No vaccine available for human parvoviruses
Good hygienic practices mitigate transmission

Canine Parvovirus

Canine parvovirus (CPV-2) appears to be a mutant strain

of feline parvovirus
Some breeds are more sensitive to CPV infection
The virus is considered ubiquitous in the environment
It is a hardy virus
Can survive for extended periods on fomites
Transmitted through oral-fecal route
Symptoms: dehydration, vomiting, bloody diarrhea
Vaccine is available