Long-term remission of recurrent parvovirus-B associated anemia in a renal transplant recipient induced by treatment with immunoglobulin and positive seroconversion.

Parvovirus B-19 (PVB)-related recurrent anemia is reported in a renal transplant recipient with long-term remission induced by intravenous immunoglobulin and decreasing immunosuppression. Positive plasma polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and intense bone marrow infection were present at diagnosis, despite the absence of serum immunoglobulin IgG and IgM antibodies to the virus. Seroconversion against the virus was followed by long-term remission while the plasma PCR for PVB remained positive. This case illustrates the absence of serum antibodies in an immunosuppressed host despite florid infection with the virus. Positive seroconversion in a naïve subject is associated with long-term remission even in the presence of detectable viral DNA copies in the plasma.