Parvovirus B19 Susceptibility among Women of Childbearing Age: A Sero-Survey in the North East of Iran

Parvovirus B19 (B19V) infection is mainly manifested as erythema infectiosum in children. Primary B19V infection during pregnancy is accompanied by a 30% risk of fetal infection, especially in epidemic conditions. Given the important impact of parvovirus B19 infection on maternal and neonate health, this study assessed parvovirus B19 susceptibility among women of childbearing age in Mashhad, northeast Iran.

Serum samples were collected from 185 women aged 20-35 years living in Mashhad. Cluster sampling was performed in different health centers located in the city to cover the main city area. A commercial ELISA kit was used to measure IgG antibodies against B19V. This study was performed in accordance with the ethical standards mentioned in the declaration of Helsinki. Informed consent was taken from all participants. A questionnaire was filled by each participant. SPSS software Version 11.5 was used for statistical analyses.

Anti-B19 IgG was observed in about 31% of women. Seroprevalence of anti- B19 antibodies among different age groups (with 5-year intervals) was not significantly different (p=.839). Also, there was no significant difference among different city areas of Mashhad in terms of anti-B19 IgG seropositivity (.39, p>.05).

The prevalence of parvovirus B19 infection varies in different parts of the world. Comparing to other reports, the present study revealed a rather low immunity against parvovirus B19 among women in Mashhad. These findings highlight the potential risk of B19 infection in non-immune/susceptible mothers, which may lead to sever outcomes, especially during epidemics.