<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To characterize the
risks and histopathological features of
parvovirus B19 infection of
infants in perinatal period.</p><p><b>
METHODS</b>Routine pathological examination was performed on 1
neonate, 2 dead
fetuses and 2
placentas using either
autopsy or
biopsy materials.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The diagnostic
intranuclear inclusions were found in
erythroblasts in the
bone marrow,
liver,
spleen and
lungs in one case, in the
spleen and
liver in one case, in the
spleen in one case, and in the
placentas in two cases.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Severe
hemolytic anemia or fetal hydrop or hemophagocytosis caused by the
infection of
parvovirus B19 can
lead to
death of infected
neonates and
fetus. Pathological confirmation of
parvovirus B19 infection relies on the identification of
erythroblasts containing the diagnostic
intranuclear inclusions.</p>