Clinical illness due to parvovirus B19 infection after infusion of solvent/detergent-treated pooled plasma

Transfusion. 2000 Oct;40(10):1203-6. doi: 10.1046/j.1537-2995.2000.40101203.x.

Abstract

Background: Lipid-enveloped viruses such as HIV, HBV, and HCV can be inactivated by treatment with solvents and detergents. HAV and human parvovirus B19 lack lipid envelopes and are not inactivated. Solvent/detergent-treated pooled plasma (S/D plasma) contains neutralizing antibodies, but it is not known whether the parvovirus B19 antibody content is sufficient to prevent transmission of the disease. A patient is described who developed a clinical illness due to parvovirus B19 infection after the infusion of S/D plasma.

Case report: A 36-year-old woman with myasthenia gravis underwent five plasma exchange procedures from January 15 to January 25, 1999, using albumin, except for 5 units of SD plasma given because of a low fibrinogen level. Four of the 5 units were implicated in a recall after high levels of parvovirus B19 DNA were found in several lots. Two weeks after the infusion, the patient developed fatigue, a rash, and severe polyarthralgias. Parvovirus B19 IgG and IgM antibody titers were consistent with an acute infection.

Conclusion: Clinically apparent parvovirus B19 infection can follow the use of S/D plasma that contains high levels of parvovirus B19 DNA.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Detergents / pharmacology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Parvoviridae Infections / etiology*
  • Parvovirus B19, Human*
  • Plasma / drug effects
  • Plasma Exchange / adverse effects*
  • Solvents / pharmacology

Substances

  • Detergents
  • Solvents