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Common Parvovirus B19 Can Cause Rare, Serious Brain Infection Encephalitis

Researchers from AIIMS Bhopal have highlighted that the common parvovirus B19, while typically causing mild illness, can in rare cases lead to serious brain infections like encephalitis. Their analysis of over 30 years of international studies found the virus present in about 3% of encephalitis patients, posing a higher risk to vulnerable groups. Encephalitis from this virus can cause high fever, confusion, seizures, and potentially permanent brain damage or death. The findings emphasize that testing for this virus in unexplained encephalitis cases can lead to timely treatment and better patient outcomes.

Key Points: Parvovirus B19 Can Cause Encephalitis: AIIMS Bhopal Study

  • Common virus can cause rare brain infection
  • Risk higher for children, elderly, immunocompromised
  • Found in ~3% of encephalitis patients studied
  • Timely identification crucial for treatment and recovery
2 min read

Common parvovirus B19 can cause serious encephalitis: AIIMS Bhopal

AIIMS Bhopal warns common parvovirus B19 can cause rare but serious encephalitis. Learn the symptoms and why testing is crucial for treatment.

"The common virus called parvovirus B19 can cause serious brain disease encephalitis in some rare cases. - AIIMS Bhopal"

New Delhi, Jan 24

Commonly found viruses such as the parvovirus B19 can cause serious brain infections like encephalitis, said researchers from the AIIMS Bhopal on Saturday.

Parvovirus B19 is a common virus with which most people come into contact at some point in their lives. In some rare cases, especially in children, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems, this virus can affect the brain.

The researchers analysed 14 international studies conducted over the past 30 years, involving more than 3,000 patients. The virus was found in approximately three out of every 100 patients.

"The common virus called parvovirus B19 can cause serious brain disease encephalitis in some rare cases," AIIMS Bhopal shared in a post on the social media platform X.

"Encephalitis can involve high fever, headache, confusion, seizures, and sometimes permanent brain damage or death," it added.

According to researchers, even though PVB19 is not the most common cause of encephalitis, identifying it in some cases can save the patient's life.

"For those patients in whom the cause of encephalitis is not clear, doctors can now also consider testing for this virus. Timely and correct identification can lead to better treatment and increase the chances of the patient's recovery," the post read.

PVB19 typically causes mild illness, most famously the "slapped cheek" rash and fever in children but can also manifest as arthritis in adults. It spreads through respiratory droplets and blood, targeting red blood cell precursors in the bone marrow.

The virus can involve multiple organ systems, leading to a broad spectrum of clinical manifestations, and can lead to serious complications like aplastic crisis in those with blood disorders or foetal issues in pregnancy.

In a recent study, researchers from China's Zhejiang Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine also alerted patients with brain haemorrhage surgery to unexplained anaemia due to PVB19 infections.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Scary stuff. My nephew had that slapped cheek disease last year. Thankfully he recovered fully, but reading this makes me realise how lucky we were. More awareness is needed in our communities. 🙏
D
David E
As a doctor practicing in Mumbai, I find this research crucial. Often, we treat encephalitis cases empirically when the cause is unknown. Adding PVB19 to the diagnostic panel for unclear cases is a practical and potentially life-saving recommendation.
A
Ananya R
The part about it affecting the elderly and those with weak immunity is key. In our joint families, we have grandparents and young children living together. We must be extra careful during flu seasons. Good that our medical institutes are doing such work.
S
Sarah B
While the research is important, I hope this doesn't cause unnecessary panic. The article clearly says it's rare (3 in 100 patients). We need balanced public health messaging so people don't start fearing every common cold.
K
Karthik V
Timely identification is everything. In smaller towns, diagnostic facilities are limited. I hope this research leads to guidelines that reach district hospitals and even PHCs. AIIMS Bhopal doing great work for public health!

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