Abstract

Background: Parvovirus B19 (B19) is associated with a wide range of disease manifestations, whose severity depends on the immunological and hematological status of the host. Infection with B19 has been reported worldwide and the prevalence of immunoglobulin G antibodies against B19 increases with age and varies by location and time of the last B19 epidemic. Aim: To evaluate the prevalence of IgG antibodies against Parvavirus B19 virus in a population of volunteer blood donors at two hospital blood banks in Santiago, Chile. Material and Methods: A total of 400 serum samples from blood donors aged 18 to 65 years, were examined for the presence of IgG antibodies against Parvovirus B19. Results: The overall prevalence of IgG antibodies was 54.8%. No significant difference was found between men and women (57.6% and 49.3%, respectively). Conclusions: IgG antibody seroprevalence against Parvovirus B19, was 55% in this sample of Chilean blood donors. This figure is in agreement with previous reports from abroad.