Complications

Parvovirus and anemia

Parvovirus infection can cause serious complications for people with anemia. Anemia is a condition in which cells that carry oxygen to all the parts of your body (red blood cells) are used up faster than your bone marrow can replace them. Parvovirus infection in people with anemia may stop the production of red blood cells and cause an anemia crisis. People with sickle cell anemia are at particular risk.

Parvovirus can also cause anemia and related complications in:

• The unborn children of women infected with parvovirus during pregnancy
• People who have weakened immune systems

Parvovirus infection in pregnancy

Parvovirus infection during pregnancy sometimes affects red blood cells in the fetus. Although uncommon, this may cause severe anemia that could lead to miscarriage or stillbirth. Fetal risk appears to be greatest during the first half of the pregnancy.

Parvovirus in people with weakened immune systems

Parvovirus infection can also trigger severe anemia in people who have compromised immune systems, which may result from:

• HIV infection
• Cancer treatments
• Anti-rejection drugs used after organ transplants