Detection of human parvovirus B19 DNA by using the polymerase chain reaction.

The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was investigated for detecting human parvovirus B19 (B19) DNA in sera. Three pairs of oligonucleotides were evaluated as primers. The best oligonucleotide pair spanned 699 nucleotides, including the region common to VP1 and VP2. After PCR amplification of B19 DNA in serum, a 699-nucleotide DNA fragment was detected on agarose gels. This DNA fragment was B19 DNA, because after Southern transfer it hybridized to a 19-nucleotide internal probe and contained a single PstI cleavage site. Dot blot hybridization with a radiolabeled cloned portion of the B19 genome as a probe was compared with PCR. PCR was 10(4) times more sensitive than dot blot hybridization and, with an internal radiolabeled probe, 10(7) times more sensitive than dot blot hybridization. Of 29 serum specimens from 18 patients with proven B19 infections, 24 were PCR positive. None of 20 serum samples from uninfected controls were positive. Of 22 serum samples positive for immunoglobulin M to B19, PCR detected B19 DNA in 17. Seven serum samples lacking immunoglobulin M were PCR positive. PCR detected B19 DNA in urine, amniotic fluid, pleural fluid, ascites, and leukocyte extracts. PCR is a rapid and simple method for diagnosing infections with human parvovirus B19 but must be combined with serologic tests for immunoglobulin M to B19, especially when testing only a single serum sample.