Parvovirus B۱۹ Susceptibility among Women of Childbearing Age: A Sero-Survey in the North East of Iran

Backgrounds: Parvovirus B۱۹ (B۱۹V) infection is mainly manifested as erythema infectiosum in children. Primary B۱۹V infection during pregnancy is accompanied by a ۳۰% risk of fetal infection, especially in epidemic conditions. Given the important impact of parvovirus B۱۹ infection on maternal and neonate health, this study assessed parvovirus B۱۹ susceptibility among women of childbearing age in Mashhad, northeast Iran. Materials & Methods: Serum samples were collected from ۱۸۵ women aged ۲۰-۳۵ 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 B۱۹V. 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 ۱۱.۵ was used for statistical analyses. Findings: Anti-B۱۹ IgG was observed in about ۳۱% of women. Seroprevalence of anti- B۱۹ antibodies among different age groups (with ۵-year intervals) was not significantly different (p=.۸۳۹). Also, there was no significant difference among different city areas of Mashhad in terms of anti-B۱۹ IgG seropositivity (.۳۹, p>.۰۵). Conclusion: The prevalence of parvovirus B۱۹ infection varies in different parts of the world. Comparing to other reports, the present study revealed a rather low immunity against parvovirus B۱۹ among women in Mashhad. These findings highlight the potential risk of B۱۹ infection in non-immune/susceptible mothers, which may lead to sever outcomes, especially during epidemics.

Keywords:

Parvovirus B۱۹ , IgG , Iran