Parvovirus B19 may result in an asymptomatic infection or produce a wide spectrum of disease ranging from erythema infections in children to arthropathy, severe anemia, and systemic manifestations involving the central nervous system, heart, and liver depending on the immune competence of the host. The presence of IgM class antibodies suggests recent infection.
Parvovirus igM is useful for serologic detection of recent or past parvovirus B19 infection.
Parvovirus B19 IgM: Negative
Parvovirus B19 IgG: Negative
Interpretation: Implies no past infection or exposure to parvovirus B19. Patient may be susceptible to parvovirus B19 infection.
Parvovirus B19 IgM: Negative
Parvovirus B19 IgG: Positive
Interpretation: Implies past exposure/infection and minimal risk of repeat parvovirus B19 infection
Parvovirus B19 IgM: Equivocal
Parvovirus B19 IgG: Positive or negative
Interpretation: May indicate current or recent parvovirus B19 infection. Recommendation to test a new convalescent specimen collected in 1 to 2 weeks
Parvovirus B19 IgM: Positive
Parvovirus B19 IgG: Positive
Interpretation: Suggests current or recent parvovirus B19 infection
Parvovirus B19 IgM: Positive
Parvovirus B19 IgG: Negative or equivocal
Interpretation: Suggests current or recent parvovirus B19 infection. Recommendation to test a new convalescent specimen collected in 1 to 2 weeks.
