Detection of human parvovirus B19 in cancer patients using ELISA and real-time PCR.

PURPOSE

Parvovirus B19 (B19) is associated with a wide range of diseases in humans, whose severity depends on the immunological and haematological status of the host.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the incidence of B19 DNA and specific IgM and IgG frequency among patients suffering from different haematological malignancies and to determine the viral load using real-time PCR.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 70 patients were included in the study, in addition to a control group consisting of 20 apparently healthy volunteers. B19 DNA quantitative analysis was performed using real-time PCR while screening for IgM and IgG anti-B19 antibodies was performed using ELISA.

RESULTS

B19 DNA was detected in 26 patients (36.14%) and 3 controls (15%) using real-time PCR. Anti-parvovirus B19 IgM antibodies were detected in 9 patients (12.6%) and 2 controls (10%). Anti-parvovirus B19 IgG antibodies were detected in 32 patients (45.71%) and 5 controls (25%). The difference between the patient and control groups was found to be statistically non-significant in all of the three tests (P < 0.05). The difference in B19 incidence among patients receiving multiple transfusions and non-transfused patients was also found to be statistically non-significant (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

We found a high incidence of B19 infection among patients diagnosed with different types of haematological malignancies. We recommend that all cases of haematological disorders should be examined for specific antibodies and tested for the presence of B19 DNA in serum by PCR technique.