Title : Molecular characterization of parvovirus B19 in patients with blood dyscrasias
Abstract:
Parvovirus B19 (B19V) is a single-stranded DNA virus that infects erythroid progenitor cells, often leading to complications such as transient aplastic crises, particularly in individuals with blood dyscrasias. This study focuses on the serological and molecular-genetic characterisation of B19V in a cohort of 109 patients with various blood dyscrasias. Real-time PCR detected Viral DNA in 2.8% of the patient cohort. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) identified unique genetic variants in the VP1/VP2 capsid protein genes, including mutations such as K4E, Q21K, and S247P, linked to immune evasion and increased pathogenicity. This study makes a significant contribution by providing India’s first complete VP1 sequence of B19V to global databases, where submissions of this sequence are limited.
Phylogenetic analysis showed that most B19V strains were closely related to genotype 1A strains in the USA. The study also highlighted a strong association between B19V infection and chronic anaemia, underscoring the need for routine B19V screening in this vulnerable population.
These variants may influence viral pathogenicity by altering immune evasion mechanisms and structural stability. Such insights into the underlying mechanisms of B19V infections provide a foundation for future diagnostic and therapeutic strategies, especially in immunocompromised patients.
