Seroprevalence of parvovirus B19 among pregnant women in Tripoli, Libya

Abstract

Background: Human parvovirus B19 has been implicated as a prmary etiologic agent ot erythema intectiosum (fifth disease) and aplastic crisis in patients with chronic haemolytic anemias. Human parvovims B 19 is known to be associated with adverse effects on fetuses such as hydrops fetalis, intrauterine fetal death, and chronic anaemia in immunocompromized individuais. The objective of this study was to assess the seroprevalence of human parvovirus B 19 among the pregnant women in Tripoli, Libya. Methodology: A total number of 150 participants were included in the study, consisting of women of child-bearing age ranging from 18 to 41 years, and divided into age groups as follows: ≤ 21 years, 22-27, 28-32, 33-37, and ≥ 38 years. Specific IgM and IgG antibodies were measured using a commercial ELISA kit. Results: IgG was observed to be prevalent (61%) among the women of child-bearing age. The sero-prevalence of IgM was found to be 5% overall and there was no detectable IgM in the age group between 33 and 37. Conclusion: The presence of IgG and absence of IgM indicate immunity to primary infection, but a significant percentage of child-bearing aged women are at risk of primary infection with parvovims B 19 which could adversely affect their pregnancy. Copyright © 2009 Elnifro et al.