Parvovirus B19-induced Pure Red Cell Aplasia in Human Immunodeficiency Virus: Successful Management with Antiretroviral Therapy Alone

Pure red cell aplasia (PRCA) is a disease affecting only the red cell precursors in the bone marrow, causing significant anemia with normal white cells and platelets. This case report examines the clinical course and treatment outcomes of a patient with human immunodeficiency virus-induced immunocompromise who developed PRCA due to persistent parvovirus B19 infection. The unique aspect of this case is the successful management of PRCA using only antiretroviral therapy (ART) without the adjunctive use of intravenous immunoglobulins, which is the usual treatment of choice. The patient’s response to ART highlights the efficacy of restoration of immunity in resolving PRCA in the context of an immunocompromised state.