ABSTRACT
Parvovirus B19 is a common, self-limiting, usually benign childhood virus that causes erythema infectiosum, also known as fifth disease. Acute infection in pregnancy can cause B19 infection in the fetus, leading to nonimmune fetal hydrops or fetal loss, depending on gestational age at the time of infection. Susceptibility to parvovirus B19 infection should be determined in selected pregnant women at high risk for exposure, and counseling should be provided regarding prevention, testing, and treatment options if exposed.
Subject(s)
Infectious Disease Transmission, Vertical/prevention & control , Parvoviridae Infections/nursing , Pregnancy Complications, Infectious/nursing , Erythema Infectiosum/prevention & control , Female , Humans , Infant, Newborn , Maternal-Child Nursing , Parvoviridae Infections/congenital , Parvoviridae Infections/transmission , Parvovirus B19, Human , Pregnancy , Pregnancy Complications, Infectious/prevention & controlABSTRACT
Parvovirus B19 infection is a common childhood disease. Infection is usually mild but may have serious consequences in pregnant women. Nurses in pediatric practice may be the only health professionals in a position to recognize and intervene in this potentially serious condition in certain high risk individuals.
