Parvoviruses in Blood Donors and Transplant Patients, Italy
2008

Parvoviruses in Blood Donors and Transplant Patients in Italy

Sample size: 417 publication Evidence: low

Author Information

Author(s): Vallerini Daniela, Barozzi Patrizia, Quadrelli Chiara, Bosco Raffaella, Potenza Leonardo, Riva Giovanni, Gregorini Gina, Sandrini Silvio, Tironi Andrea, Montagnani Giuliano, De Palma Marisa, Torelli Giuseppe, Delwart Eric, Luppi Mario

Primary Institution: University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Azienda Ospedaliera Policlinico, Modena, Italy

Hypothesis

What is the frequency of PARV4/5 viremia in healthy patients, transplant patients, and those with suspected viral disease?

Conclusion

The frequency of PARV4/5 viremia is very low in the general Italian population but slightly higher in certain immunosuppressed patients.

Supporting Evidence

  • PARV4/5 were found in blood samples from 3 of 26 cadavers from the UK.
  • PARV4/5 sequences were detected in 1 blood donor and 2 renal transplant recipients.
  • None of the blood donors tested positive on single-round PCR.

Takeaway

This study looked for a virus in blood donors and transplant patients and found it very rarely, suggesting it might not be a big problem.

Methodology

A retrospective molecular study using nested PCR to detect PARV4/5 sequences in serum samples from different patient groups.

Limitations

The study only detected PARV4/5 DNA in a few patients, which may not represent the true prevalence in the population.

Participant Demographics

The study included 417 Italian HIV-negative persons, including blood donors and transplant patients.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.3201/eid1401.070610

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