B19 parvovirus and blood transfusion.

B19 parvovirus, a non-enveloped DNA virus about 20 nm diameter, is responsible for benign illness in children (fifth disease) or in adult (arthritis). Nevertheless some acute or chronic anaemia may occur following the lysis of its target cell, the erythroid progenitors. Such clinical manifestations may be observed in blood transfused patients under circumstances which will be studied.