Parvovirus B19 Prevalence among Children of African Descent in Sokoto North Western Nigeria

Abstract

Human Parvovirus B19 (HPVB19) belongs to the family Parvoviridae and it causes Erythema infectiosum, aplastic crises in persons with blood disorder and prolonged anaemia in immuno compromised persons. Haematological abnormalities are among the most common manifestation of advanced parvovirus B19 infection. This aim of this study was to determine some haematological parameters and parvovirus B19 IgG antibody among children attending Emergency Pediatric Unit (EPU) of Specialist Hospital Sokoto (SHS). The study population included Ninety-six children attending Emergency Paediatric Unit of SHS (comprising of 57 Males and 39 Females). Prevalence of Parvovirus B19 IgG antibody and the association of some Haematological parameters of Packed Cell Volume (PCV), Platelet Count (PLC) and Total Leukocyte Count (TLC) were determined. Plasma samples from subjects were analysed for HPV B19 IgG antibodies by ELISA while the haematological parameters were analysed using the Mytic 5-part differential haematology analyzer (Orphee, Switzerland). Data obtained was analyzed using statistically. Of the total number of subject tested, 33(34.4%) were positive for Parvovirus B19 antibody and 63(64.6%) had no detectable parvovirus B19 IgG antibody. The mean ± standard deviation of some haematological parameters as observed in the study subject (children) were 32.8 ± 0.5%, 5.18 ± 0.08 and 264.39 ± 6.67 for PCV TLC and PLC respectively. Children that were positive for Parvovirus B19 IgG antibody had a mean PCV of 31.80%, TLC of 4.70×10 9 and PLC of 271×10 9 . The prevalence of parvovirus B19 IgG antibody was higher among children within age group of 1-5 years (23%) followed by 6-10 years (7%) and 11-15 years (3%) (P=0.88). The prevalence of parvovirus B19 IgG antibody was higher among male
children (20%) compared to female children (13%) (p =0.86). It is recommended that clinicians caring for these patients be made aware of the existence of this virus as well as the possible haematological alterations that could accompany it in our environment. Hospital laboratories should be encouraged to introduce diagnostic tests for parvovirus B19 infection.