Life-threatening anaemia caused by B19 parvovirus infection in a non-immunocompromised patient

A 21-year-old Surinam boy suffering from a combined heterozygous sickle-cell beta-thalassaemia presented with an extreme anaemia (haemoglobin concentration 0.7 mmol/l) and severe haemolysis without signs of increased erythropoiesis. An acute B19 parvovirus infection was diagnosed by a transient increase of IgM anti-B19 parvovirus titres and a positive polymerase chain reaction for B19 parvovirus. The patient recovered spontaneously after a short period of supportive care with red cell transfusions and mechanical ventilation.