Human parvovirus B19 infection associated with hemolytic uremic syndrome

A 59-year-old woman developed hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) associated with acute human parvovirus B19 (HPVB19) infection. A renal biopsy revealed glomerular mesangiolysis with segmental hypercellularity; mild fibrinogen/fibrin deposits were noted by immunofluorescence study and severe endothelial injury was noted electron microscopically. The histological findings were compatible with HUS. We discuss the relation of HPVB19 to HUS, with special reference to the tropism of the virus for endothelial cells.