Parvovirus B19 among blood donors from three hospitals in Santiago, Chile

Background: Parvovirus B19 (B19) is associated with a wide range of diseases in humans, whose severity depends on the immunological and hematological status of the host. It is transmitted mainly through the airway but also by transfusions. Aim: To determine the B19 DNA carrier frequency in a population of volunteer blood donors from three hospitals blood banks in Santiago, Chile, and to determine the viral load in DNA positive cases. Material and Methods: A total of 477 serum samples were analyzed. The screening of B19 DNA was carried out by nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) directed to the non-structural region of the virus (NS1). The viral load in positives cases was quantified by NS1 Real Time PCR. Results: Parvovirus B19 was detected in four samples, rendering a frequency of 1:119. The viral loads ranged from less than 2000 to 5,626x 10(5) genome equivalents/ml. Conclusions: Parvovirus B19 was present in four of 477 blood bank blood donors from three hospitals in Santiago. (Rev Med Chile 2011; 139: 143-149).