RESUMEN
Oncology patients are at particular risk for parvovirus B19 infection that may cause severe, persistent usually non specific illness in this group. This study was designed to assess the prevalence and impact of parvovirus B19 in pediatric oncology patients receiving chemotherapy and to define the optimal diagnostic tests in such patients. Fifty nine children under chemotherapy [39 with ALL, 20 with solid tumors] with mean ages of 4.96 +/- 1.94 years, in addition to 30 healthy children of matched age and sex, were enrolled in this study. Clinical and laboratory data were collected by examination and from patients' records. Specific parvovirus IgM, and IgG B19 antibodies were assessed by Elisa and parvovirus DNA was detected by nested PCR for all patients and controls. Parvovirus DNA was detected in 16 [27.1%], IgM in 3 [5.1%] and IgG in 36 [61%] patients. IgM had sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of 18.75%, 100% and 77.9% respectively, while those of IgG were 81.25, 53.4%, 61% respectively. PCR positive patients had significantly higher frequency of unexplained anaemia, blood transfusions and longer hospital stay than PCR negative patients [P<0.001]. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that both unexplained anaemia and multiple blood transfusions were the most important variables that can predict PCR positivity. Parvovirus B19 is not uncommon problem in pediatric oncology patients that exhibited weak antibody response and non specific clinical features. Screening of these patients with PCR rather than serology is recommended when infection is suspected