A Persistent Parvovirus Infection Causing Anemia in an HIV Patient Requiring Intravenous Immunoglobulin Maintenance Therapy

Abstract

Anemia is a common finding in a human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive patient with a wide range of possible causes and is a significant risk factor for mortality in acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Opportunistic parvovirus infection-causing pure red cell aplasia is one of its uncommon causes. It has been suggested that immunocompromised patients with abnormal antibody production are more susceptible to acquiring a chronic parvovirus infection requiring long-term intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) treatment; however, there are no specific guidelines for it. Here, we present a case of an HIV patient with persistent parvovirus infection resulting in chronic anemia requiring long-term maintenance immunoglobulin therapy with an excellent therapeutic response.