Seroprevalence of IgG antibodies against parvovirus B19 among blood donors from Santiago, Chile

Background: Parvovirus B19 (B19) is associated with a wide range of disease manifestations, whose severity depends on the immunological and hematological status of the host. Infection with B19 has been reported worldwide and the prevalence of immunoglobulin G antibodies against 1319 increases with age and varies by location and time of the last B19 epidemic. Aim: To evaluate the prevalence of IgG antibodies against Parvavirus B19 virus in a population of volunteer blood donors at two hospital blood banks in Santiago, Chile. Material and Methods: A total of 400 serum samples from blood donors aged 18 to 65 years, were examined for the presence of IgG antibodies against Parvovirus B19. Results. The overall prevalence of IgG antibodies was 54.8%. No significant difference was found between men and women (57.6% and 49-3%, respectively). Conclusions: IgG antibody seroprevalence against Parvovirus B19, was 55916 in this sample of Chilean blood donors. This figure is in agreement with previous reports from abroad (Rev Med Chile 2007; 135: 443-8).