Seroprevalence of anti-Parvovirus B19 IgG in childbearing age women in Pleven region (Bulgaria)

Abstract Background Parvovirus B19 is a widespread infection in childhood. Seroprevalence of anti-Parvovirus B19 increases with age and about 60% to 70% of women of childbearing age have serological evidence of past exposure to virus. Diaplacental Parvovirus B19 infection in pregnant women can lead to anaemia, non-immune hydrops fetalis and foetal death. The aim of the study is determining the susceptibility to Parvovirus B19 in childbearing age women. Methods We conducted a prospective seroepidemiological study in which 90 healthy women of childbearing age (19 to 40 years) were tested during the period September-October 2018 in Medical Center “Clinical Institute for Reproductive Medicine”- Pleven, Bulgaria. Participants were surveyed on a voluntary basis. The exclusion criteria were: presence of autoimmune disorder, immunosuppressive states, malignancy and populations at risk such as persons under 18 years of age and pregnant women. The presence of specific Parvovirus B19 IgG was detected using a standardized anti-Parvovirus B19 (IgG) ELISA kit. The demographic and anamnestic data were collected for each participant in Case Report Form. Results The average age of the women was 31.4 ± 4.9 years. Dominating were women with higher education (52.2%) living in urban areas (92.2%). The survey results showed that 37.8% of women were positive for anti-Parvovirus B19 IgG, 61.1% were negative and 1.1% equivocal. Immunty to the virus increased from 27.3% to 45% with age. There was no significant correlation between the presence of antibodies and the demographic factors (living area, education and number of family members). Conclusions The results of this study imply that 61.1% of the childbearing age women in Pleven region are susceptible to infection with Parvovirus B19. Because of the high susceptibility to Parvovirus B19, active monitoring of risk groups pregnant women for the prevention of fetal complications is recommended. Key messages There is no specific treatment or prophylaxis against Parvovirus B19 infection and epidemiological surveillance requires the introduction of effective preventive measures at the public health level. Active monitoring in childbearing age women is necessary to reduce the risk of fetal damage and the cost of healthcare associated with the infection.