In pregnancy, Parvovirus B19 infection can cause which complications?

• A. Fetal anemia, hydrops fetalis, fetal demise
• B. Neural tube defects
• C. Macrosomia
• D. Preterm labor

Answer: (A)

Parvovirus B19 infection during pregnancy mainly raises concern for the fetus because the virus targets erythroid progenitor cells, causing a temporary red cell aplasia. In the fetus this leads to severe anemia since red blood cell production is suddenly suppressed. The fetal heart compensates with high-output flow, which can cause nonimmune hydrops fetalis and, if the anemia is profound, fetal demise. This sequence—erythroid suppression leading to anemia, hydrops, and possible fetal death—best fits the scenario.

The other options don’t align with the typical fetal effects of parvovirus B19. Neural tube defects arise from folate deficiency or other teratogens, macrosomia is usually linked to maternal diabetes or factors promoting fetal overgrowth, and preterm labor is a general risk with many infections but not a characteristic outcome of parvovirus B19.