Human parvovirus B19 (PVB19) is a major cause of morbidity in children with sickle cell disease (SCD), where its predilection for erythroid precursors can precipitate transient aplastic crises and life-threatening anemia. Although PVB19 is recognized as a global health concern, data on its epidemiology, clinical manifestations, and hematological consequences in African SCD populations remain limited. Recent reports suggest fluctuating PVB19 activity with periodic outbreaks, reinforcing the need for local evidence to guide diagnosis and management. This study objective is to assess the seroprevalence of human parvovirus B19 infection and explore its association with selected clinical and haematological parameters among patients with sickle cell disease. A cross-sectional study was conducted at Laquintini Hospital, Douala, from February to June 2024. A total of 120 SCD patients aged one year and above and 60 age-matched healthy controls were enrolled. Sociodemographic and clinical data were collected through questionnaires and medical records. Serum samples were analyzed for Human PVB19-specific IgM and IgG antibodies using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and hematological indices including reticulocyte counts were measured. Data were analyzed using Fisher’s exact and Mann–Whitney U tests, with univariate logistic regression to identify risk factors. The mean age was 12.5 ± 8.0 years (range: 1–40 years) among SCD patients and 13.0 ± 7.0 years (range: 1–35 years) among controls. Parvovirus B19 IgM seroprevalence was 7.5% in SCD patients compared with 3.3% in controls, while IgG seroprevalence was 3.3% and 1.7%, respectively (IgM: p = 0.341; IgG: p = 0.666). Among SCD patients, IgM positivity was significantly associated with a higher frequency of outpatient consultations (p < 0.001), hospitalizations (p = 0.021), and vaso-occlusive crises (p = 0.035). IgM-positive patients also had significantly lower hemoglobin levels (p = 0.017) and red blood cell counts (p = 0.039). In univariate logistic regression analysis, frequent outpatient consultations (OR 27.3; 95% CI 3.68–202.3), more than three vaso-occlusive crises (OR 4.13; 95% CI 1.01–16.9), and hemoglobin levels below 7 g/dL (OR 4.93; 95% CI 1.16–21.0) were independently associated with acute PVB19 infection. This study provides data on the seroprevalence of human parvovirus B19 among patients with sickle cell disease in Laquintini Hospital, Douala and explores associated clinical and haematological parameters. Further large-scale longitudinal studies incorporating molecular diagnostics are warranted to better define the clinical significance of acute infection in this population.
Panka et al. (Sat,) studied this question.