A case of Parvovirus B19 infection diagnosed as COVID-19 due to false PCR positivity

ABSTRACT

Although PCR is the most reliable test for the diagnosis of Covid-19 infection, false negative and positive results can also occur. Our case is a 32-year-old laboratory technician who applied with headache and malaise and her first Covid-19 PCR test was negative. It was repeated two days later, and the result was positive. Additional tests were also performed, and Parvovirus IgM antibody was also found to be positive. Four weeks later, while Covid-19 IgM and IgG test results were negative, the Parvovirus B19 IgG and IgM test results were positive. The Covid-19 PCR test was evaluated as false positive. We aimed to emphasize the need to consider other viral infections in the differential diagnosis even under pandemic conditions.