Abstract: Parvovirus B19 infects erythroid precursor cells and it is a potent inhibitor of hematopoiesis. Parvovirus B19 infected in pregnancy can be transmitted vertically from mother to fetus. This infection can cause several serious complications in the fetus, such as fetal abortion, anemia, no immune fetal hydrops and intrauterine fetal death. There is no evidence that Parvovirus B19 is a significant teratogen in human. Testing maternal serum for IgM and IgG antibodies against Parvovirus B19 and DNA detection by PCR can confirm maternal infection. If maternal infection has occurred, ultrasound investigation of the fetus and measurement of the peak systolic flow velocity of the middle cerebral artery are sensitive non-invasive procedures to diagnose fetal anemia and hydrops. There are characteristic glassy and brick-red intranuclear inclusions in the infectious placenta. Intrauterine transfusion is currently the effective treatment to alleviate fetal anemia, and the prognosis is good. Women who often contact children should be counseled during pregnancy in order to reduce the risk of adverse fetal outcome.

Key words: Human parvovirus B19, Pregnancy, Diagnosis, Therapy