Beta-thalassemia major (β-TM) is inheritable condition with many complications especially in children. The blood-borne viral infection was proposed as a risk factor due to recurrent blood transfusion regimen (hemotherapy).
This study aimed to investigate Human parvovirus B19 (PVB19) prevalence in β-TM patients by serological and molecular means.
This is a cross-sectional study incorporated 180 subjects, segregated into three distinct groups, namely, control (
Both PVB19 IgM and IgG antibodies positivity rates are higher among β-TM patients compared to controls, the PVB19 IgM (35%) and PVB19 IgG (21.67%) positivity in β-TM patients compared to 23.3% and 18.33% positivity in the controls was significantly observed. The mean of PVB19 copy number interestingly higher in control (21.58 ± 1.95) compared to β-TM patients infected with HCV (4.75 ± 1.58). Moreover, serum ferritin showed a significant increase in β-TM patients with HCV (4283.22 ± 351.92) compared to control (28.55 ± 1.06).
Both PVB19 IgM and IgG Abs positivity rates are higher significantly among β-TM patients compared to controls. Although, the highest mean PVB19 copy number among controls, this finding was not significant. Nevertheless, screening high-risk groups including blood donors for PVB19 may considerably reduce the prevalence of PVB19.
