Norgen Biotek™ Parvo B19 TaqMan PCR Kit, 100 Reactions

Parvovirus B19 was the first known human virus in the family of Parvoviruses. B19 is a non-enveloped, icosahedral virus that contains a single-stranded linear DNA genome. It is classified as an erythrovirus because of its capability to invade red blood cell precursors in the bone marrow. B19 virus causes a childhood rash called fifth disease or erythema infectiosum which is commonly called “slapped cheek” syndrome due to the appearance of erythema across the cheeks. The virus is primarily spread by infected respiratory droplets, but some cases of blood-borne transmission have been reported. Parvovirus infection in pregnant women is associated with hydrops fetalis due to severe fetal anemia, sometimes leading to miscarriage or stillbirth. The risk of fetal loss is about 10% if infection occurs before week 20 of pregnancy. There is also some evidence that intrauterine Parvovirus B19 infection leads to developmental abnormalities in childhood. Due to the serious nature of the virus, methods for its rapid diagnosis are desirable.