Serologic diagnosis of parvo B19 infection
The definitive diagnosis of parvo B19 infection relies on detection of IgM antibodies or viral B19 DNA in the correct clinical context.
Anti-parvo B19 virus IgM antibodies peak around 1 month post infection and are largely undetectable by 2 to 3 months, with appearance of anti-parvo B19 IgG antibodies. IgG antibodies may persist for many years.
Thus, the finding of IgG anti-parvo B19 antibodies without IgM antibodies indicates past infection of indeterminate timing (IgG antibodies are present in 60%–80% of the adult population).
