Le diverse facce del parvovirus B19

Parvovirus B19 (B19V) is classically known as the etiologic agent of Fifth disease, typically characterised by mild symptoms (as fever, myalgias and headache), confluent erythema on the cheeks (“slapped cheeks”) and subsequent symmetrical reticulated rash on the body. However, in some cases, the B19V rash may have different features and the infection may be associated with potentially serious complications. The paper presents a case of a 5-year-old child with an atypical skin manifestation of B19V (pustular rash) and a severe course of infection with cardiac involvement. Although, in most cases the typical skin expression of B19V is Fifth disease, the rash may also occur in other forms, such as morbilliform, confluent, vesicular or pustular. Furthermore, the infection, usually benign and self-limiting, may be associated with severe manifestations involving multiple organ systems (cardiac, neurological, hepatic, and renal)s with need of different treatment strategies (symptomatic, immunoglobulin, corticosteroid, or other forms of care). Early recognition and timely intervention are critical to improving the outcome of patients with B19V-related complications.