The main manifestations of parvovirus infection on the skin

Parvovirus B19 infection can cause many diseases, including chronic aplastic hemolytic anemia, erythema infectiosum, and hydrops fetalis.

Parvovirus infection is initially manifested by a large number of exanthems, which differ in morphological and clinical signs and can mimic other pathological processes on the skin. The most common clinical form of parvovirus infection is erythema infectiosum. What does erythema infectiosum look like in parvovirus infection?

Clinical manifestations of erythema infectiosum in parvovirus infection

Scientists call erythema infectiosus the fifth disease among the six classic exanthems that appear in childhood. What does a rash look like with infectious erythema against a background of parvovirus infection, read further on estet-portal.com. The incubation period is from 4 to 14 days. The prodromal period of parvovirus infection lasts several days and is manifested by fever, headache, catarrhal symptoms, nausea and vomiting. Erythema first appears on the skin of the face.

The elements of the rash in erythema infectiosum quickly merge and form a bright large erythema on the cheeks. Outwardly, looking at the patient's cheek, one gets the impression of a recently received slap in the face. A few days later, a maculopapular rash appears on the patient's body, which has a bluish tinge.

Characteristic of the rash in parvovirus infection:

• Rash is localized on the extensor surface of the limbs.
• The elements of the rash merge to form patches of irregular shape.
• Later, the rash begins to gradually fade in the center, giving the skin a netted appearance that is very similar to "lace".
• In most cases, these rashes are accompanied by itching of the skin.
• The rash slowly disappears over 10 days, leaving no flaking behind.
• Environmental factors such as hot baths, sun exposure, or cold can trigger a recurrence of the rash.

Possible complications of erythema in parvovirus infection

Approximately in 10% of cases, after the disappearance of the rash, the joints are affected by the type of arthralgia or polyarthritis. Joint damage is symmetrical. The course of polyarthritis has a benign course. The joints are swollen, hot and painful to the touch.

The manifestation of parvovirus infection may be accompanied by a hemorrhagic rash, itchy feet, or erythema multiforme.

In some patients, inflammatory changes in the upper respiratory tract, as well as conjunctival hyperemia, are detected. More often, the infection is asymptomatic, since a third of the population has antibodies to this virus.

Diagnostic considerations for erythema infectiosum in parvovirus infection

Microscopic examination of the dermis at the site of the lesion reveals the tortuous vessels of the dermis, the perivascular location of the deposits of the C3 component of the complement. The inflammatory response to entry of parvovirus B19 into dermal vessels is a major factor in the manifestation of erythema infectiosum.

In the process of diagnosing parvovirus infection, ELISA is used to determine serum specific antibodies of the IgM, Ig G class, as well as PCR diagnostics to detect viral DNA.

Approximately 2 weeks after exposure to parvovirus B19, the body produces specific class M antibodies that circulate in the blood for 1-3 months. Parvovirus DNA can be detected in blood, respiratory secretions, bone marrow or spleen using PCR and – hybridization. The typical manifestation of a parvovirus infection is the basis for establishing a diagnosis and specific treatment.