Fifth Disease Is One Of Several Possible Manifestations Of Infection By Parvovirus B19

Fifth disease is one of several possible manifestations of infection caused by parvovirus B19. The disease is also referred to as the erythema infectiosum which means infectious redness and also as slapped cheek syndrome, slapcheek, slap face or slapped face. The name fifth disease derives from its historical classification as the fifth of all the classical childhood skin rashes or exanthems.

Fifth disease is caused by an infection with the human parvovirus B19. This virus infects only the humans. Pet dogs or cats may be immunized against the parvovirus, but these are animal parvovirus that does not tend to infect the humans. Therefore, a child cannot catch parvovirus from a pet dog or even a cat, and a pet cat or dog cannot catch human parvovirus B19 from a sick child.

The bright red cheeks are a vital symptom of the infection in children and hence the name slapped cheek disease which was made up in Sitting Bourne. Occasionally the rash would extend over the bridge of the nose or even around the mouth. In addition to the red cheeks, children often develop a red, lacy rash on the rest of their body, with the upper arms and legs being the main locations. The rash can last a couple of weeks and in some cases lasting for several months and may even itch. Patients are no longer infectious once the rash has appeared on them. Teenagers and adults may be presented with a self-limited arthritis.

The disease is generally mild, but in certain risk groups it can have a serious consequence. In pregnant women, infection within the first trimester has been linked to hydrops fetal is, which causes spontaneous abortion. In people with Sickle-cell disease or other forms of chronic hemolytic anemia, infection can perhaps precipitate an aplastic crisis.

Any age can be affected although it is most common in children who are aged five to fourteen years. By the time adulthood is reached about half the population will have become immune to the following infection at some time or the other in their past. Outbreaks can arise especially in the nurseries and schools as well.

Erythema infectiosum is usually a benign self-limited disease and doesn't actually need treatment. In patients with arthralgia or pruritus symptomatic treatment is only possible with NSAIDs, antihistamines and also topical antipruritics.

Parvovirus B19 infection may cause a very serious illness in persons with sickle-cell disease or of similar types of chronic anemia. In such persons, parvovirus B19 can cause an acute and even severe anemia. The ill person may be pale, weak, and perhaps tired, and should see his or her physician for treatment immediately. The typical rash of fifth disease is rarely seen in such persons. Once the infection is controlled, the anemia also resolves at the same time.

Furthermore, persons who have problems with their immune systems may also develop a chronic anemia with the parvovirus B19 infection that would require medical treatment. People who have leukemia or cancer or who are born with immune deficiencies, who have received an organ transplant or those who have human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection are at risk for serious illness due to parvovirus B19 infection.

• Janny Raines
• 11/06/2009, 6:59 PM
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