Prevalence of parvovirus B19 infection in patients with hematological diseases in the Western Brazilian Amazon

INTRODUCTION: Parvovirus B19 (B19V) infects erythroid precursor cells, compromising red blood cell production. This can trigger severe anemia and other hematological diseases in susceptible patients. However, data on B19V epidemiology in patients with hematological diseases are scarce, especially in the northern region of Brazil. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of IgG and IgM antibodies against B19V, and to detect B19 DNA, in patients with hematological diseases undergoing METHODS: Plasma samples from 421 patients were subjected to enzyme immunoassay for the detection of anti-B19V IgG and IgM antibodies. Subsequently, all samples underwent real-time polymerase reaction for viral DNA detection. RESULTS: More than half (55.11%) of the study population was seropositive for IgG anti-B19 antibodies. Notably, women (prevalence ratio: 1.62; 95% CI: 1.10-2.41; p-value = 0.016) and individuals aged 60 and above (prevalence ratio: 7.72; 95% CI: 3.77-15.80; p-value = 0.016) showed the highest seroprevalence rates. Patients with thrombophilia, lymphoma, and anemia also exhibited elevated seroprevalence, with thrombophilia having the highest rate (prevalence ratio: 6.52; 95% CI: 1.78-23.88). Twelve patients were positive for IgM anti-B19, and the presence of B19V DNA was confirmed in two patients (0.46%). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with hematological diseases, particularly thrombophilia, exhibit a high seroprevalence of B19V, indicating frequent prior exposure. However, recent infections and viremia are uncommon. The elevated seroprevalence among women and adults aged 60 and older suggests that these groups may be at greater risk. This underscores the need for enhanced epidemiological surveillance and targeted B19V testing to improve patient management.