Persistence of parvovirus B19-DNA in blood of a child with severe combined immunodeficiency associated with chronic pure red cell aplasia.

In a female child with severe combined immunodeficiency, pure red cell aplasia was observed which required regular transfusions of erythrocytes. Parvovirus B 19 DNA (but no antibodies) was detected in stored serum samples after the death of the patient. We suggest that the anaemia was a consequence of parvovirus infection which persisted for at least 2 years due to the immunodeficiency.