Investigation of the role of human parvovirus B19 in chronic anaemia of HIV infected TB patients
Date
1994
Authors
Van Niekerk, Albertus Bernhardus Willer
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
This study was undertaken to determine the role of human parvovirus B19 (B19) in
chronic anaemia of HIV infected TB patients. Patlents were selected from an existing
databank of 307 patients included ln a MRC HIV/TB study. Twenty-nine patients, 15
colnfected with HIV/TB and 14 Infected with TB only, were identified for further
evaluation. These patients' sera were subjected to serological and DNA detection studies
using IgG and IgM ELISA methods and a nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR)
assay. The selection of the nested PCR was based on comparative evaluation of a new
rapid 99 cycle PCR method recommended for hepatitis B DNA detection and the nested
PCR method established for B19. The nested assay was shown to be the more sensitive
system in the context of B19 DNA detection. Serological evaluation of these 29 patients
suggested that a greater proportion of HIV/TB patients with chronic anaemia had
evidence of recent or past exposure to B19 than those not experiencing anaemia. The
nested PCR demonstrated the presence of circulating B19 DNA in 2 coinfected
individuals with haematological pictures compatible with persistent B19 infection. B19
DNA was also demonstrated in a TB only patient without anaemia; further
haematological and serological evidence in this patient suggested recent exposure to B19.
The serological and DNA amplification assay results of these 29 patients would suggest
a possible role - either causal or co-factorial - for persistent B19 infection in the
establishment of chronic anaemia in HIV/TB patients.
Description
A dissertation submitted to the Faculty of Medicine,
University of the Witwatersrand, in partial fulfilment
of the requirements for the degree
Master of Medicine (Virology)
Keywords
Parvovirus B19, Human., Parvoviridae Infections.