Which complication is classically associated with Parvovirus B19 infection in hematologic disease patients?

• A. Aplastic crisis
• B. Leukocytosis
• C. Renal failure
• D. Jaundice

Answer: (A)

Parvovirus B19 has a strong preference for erythroid precursor cells in the bone marrow, so it temporarily halts red blood cell production. In patients with hematologic diseases such as sickle cell disease or thalassemia, where red cell turnover is already high, this brief shutdown leads to a sudden drop in hemoglobin accompanied by reticulocytopenia. That combination—an abrupt anemia with a very low retic count during parvovirus infection—is the classic aplastic crisis. It isn’t about increased white cells, kidney injury, or jaundice, which are not the typical hematologic manifestations of this virus in these patients. Diagnosis centers on the low reticulocyte count and evidence of suppressed erythropoiesis, and management is supportive, with transfusion as needed during the crisis.