Parvovirus DNA by PCR Test

Parvovirus B19 is a human pathogen transmitted to susceptible individuals via respiratory secretions and contaminated blood or blood products. It is a non-enveloped single-stranded DNA virus that infects, replicates in, and lyses red cell progenitors. The presence of this viral DNA may result in an asymptomatic infection or produce a wide spectrum of disease ranging from erythema infections (slapped cheek syndrome or fifth disease) in children to arthropathy, severe anaemia, and systemic manifestations involving the central nervous system, heart, and liver depending on the immunity of the patient. Acute infections are diagnosed by detecting IgG and IgM class antibodies in the serum with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay testing using polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

No prior preparation is required, but it is advisable that the patient inform the practitioner about the following prior to the testing: Your medical history List of medications that are being taken Dietary restrictions that are being followed Based on this history, the practitioner may advice you about any diet restrictions, and usage of medications that need to be followed. It is recommended that you wear comfortable clothing that will allow easy access to your forearm on the day of testing.

The PCR assay test is considered the optimal test for the detection of Parvovirus B19 virus. It also helps in understanding the immunology of the person. Parvovirus B19 infections are usually self-limiting (limited in duration) in otherwise healthy people. The Parvovirus B19 test using PCR has many clinical uses. Some are listed below: Determining the cause of chronic anaemia, erythema infectiosum, and polyarthropathy. Diagnosis of parvovirus infection as the cause of foetal hydrops in pregnant women Diagnosis of the parvovirus infection in immune -suppressed individuals such as those infected with HIV or transplant patients. Diagnosis of parvovirus infection prior to seroconversion in HIV infected individuals.

A blood sample is drawn from the vein from the forearm after the skin surface is cleaned with antiseptic. The blood sample is then subjected to test using real time PCR with fluorescent dye-labelled probe and primers specific to parvovirus B19 virion structural protein. If Parvovirus B19 DNA strand exists, it is amplified during the process due to the reaction between the primer and PCR. The DNA amplification products are detected by measuring the fluorescent signals generated during the PCR. This helps in the detection of the Parvovirus B19 DNA strand, if it exists in the blood.