Epidemiološke značajke infekcije uzrokovane parvovirusom B19 na području Hrvatske

Parvovirus B19 is the smallest DNA virus with worldwide distribution. Although infections are usually asymptomatic, parvovirus B19 can cause a variety of diseases (erythema infectiosum, transient aplastic crisis, pure red cell aplasia, hydrops fetalis and congenital anemia). Host features will determine the disease manifestations. The aim of this study was to analyze the epidemiological characteristics of parvovirus B19 infection in Croatia. The study included 1538 participants aged from one month to 87 years tested between January 2009 and December 2019. In the tested group, there were 503 (32.7%) male and 1035 (67.3%) female patients. Parvovirus B19 IgM and IgG antibodies were detected using a commercial ELISA test. The overall parvovirus B19 IgG seroprevalence rate was 64.1%. There were no significant differences in the seropositivity among male (66.1%) and female (63.1%) patients. A significant increase in the seroprevalence with age was observed. After 6 months of age, IgG seropositivity progressively increased from 30.0% in 6 months to 9-years age group to 73.3% in participants above 60. Analyzing different population groups, 42.2% of children and adolescents younger than 18 years tested positive for IgG antibodies compared to 65.6-67.1% of adult general population, hemodialysis patients and transplant patients. Logistic regression analysis showed that age was a significant risk factor for IgG seropositivity (OR=1.017; 95%CI=1.011-1.022). IgM antibodies (acute infection) were detected in 4.0% patients. Acute infections were most common in the age group from 6 months to 9 years (11.1%), however it ocurred in all age groups. Comparing different population groups, children and adolescents younger than 18 years had the highest IgM seroprevalence rate (9.8%). In pregnant women, there was no difference in the IgG seroprevalence among women with normal pregnancy (62.6%) and women with unfavorable obstetric history (71.0%). Regarding the seasonal prevalence, the highest number of parvovirus B19 acute infections was recorded in May (22.9%) and April (11.5%).