Pure Red Cell Aplasia After Kidney Transplantation: Parvovirus B19 Culprit or Coincidence?

Background Anemia is present even in long-term observation after kidney transplantation. Observational study results indicate the presence of chronic post-transplantation anemia in 1 in 3 recipients. An extreme form of erythroid line dysfunction is pure red cell aplasia (PRCA). It may be caused by immunosuppressive treatment per se or a side effect, opportunistic pathogen activation. Parvovirus B19 (PV B19) infection is quite likely the cause of refractory normocytic anemia in immunocompromised patients.