Persistent Parvovirus B19 Infection without the Development of Chronic Anemia in HIV-Infected and -Uninfected Children: The Women and Infants Transmission Study

We evaluated the prevalence of persistent parvovirus B19 (B19) infection and associated anemia in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected and HIV-uninfected children. B19 persistence was defined as B19 DNA detected in specimens collected >16 weeks apart. Of 182 children, 3 HIV-infected children and two HIV-uninfected children had evidence of persistent B19 infection. Of the 5 children, none had evidence of B19-associated anemia. Our data suggest that B19 infections can persist in children without the development of symptomatic anemia.